Biodiesel and Electric Boats
Green Fuel on Inland Waterways
Norfolk Broads
Increasing awareness of global warming, fuel shortages and
stringent water quality standards have encouraged the
development of renewable and cleaner sources of fuel for
boats with biodiesel and electric engines playing a major
role. The Norfolk Broads and hire companies operating in
the Broads have been leading the way in trialling and
introducing these methods to the huge fleets of hire boats
using their waters each year. In fact, in 2006 eight Broads
hire boat companies will be participating in a twoyear
biodiesel trial:
• Faircraft Loynes, Wroxham
• Alexander Cruisers, Brundall
• Sabena Marine, Hoveton
• Barnes Brinkcraft, Hoveton
• Connoisseur Cruisers, Wroxham
• Silverline Marine, Brundall
• City Boats, Thorpe
• Woods Dyke Boatyard, Horning
Bio diesels are produced by recycling waste vegetable oil and fats or from specifically grown
crops. By refining waste oils for use in engines, it reduces the amount of oil having to be
disposed of and reduces the amount of carbon, sulphur, aromatic hydrocarbons, metals or crude
oil residues emitted. It is worth noting that although accidental discharges of small amounts of
biodiesel have less impact on the environment and aquatic life compared to petroleum diesel,
they can still cause harm and steps should remain in place to reduce any spillages. For more
information and facts about biodiesel and environmental implications, please see our fact sheet
Biodiesel
A number of yards in the Broads are trialling biodiesel with the Broads Authority providing
financial support through its Sustainable Development Fund.
Faircroft Loynes, part of Norfolk Broads Direct based in Wroxham has four 100% biodiesel boats
as part of their weekly hire fleet with one in operation for a complete season and the others
having done part season. Although diesel boats can run on biodiesel with no adaptation to the
engine, Chief Engineer Mick Derbyshire is running the boats from new to