On the Great Barrier Reef: The First All-Electric Tender & Glass Bottom Boat
With the debut of the world's first all-electric tender and glass bottom boat, Sailaway Port Douglas, a tourist operator that specialises in advanced ecotourism and climate action, has provided visitors who are travelling to the gorgeous Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef with a sustainable experience that is described as "whisper quiet."
In addition to being a transfer tender, the 'eTender' EV Discovery is meant to function as a glass bottom boat for coral viewing of the reef's rich underwater ecology. It has a 22-passenger capacity and only uses electric propulsion.
For the purpose of powering the vessel's 12R outboards, the EV Discovery utilises the most recent technology from Torqueedo, the industry leader in electric marine power. This technology combines solar power with 48-volt lithium-ion batteries. It is sufficient for the vessel to be propelled by direct sunlight alone for glass bottom boat trips, which provide a minimally invasive experience for the purpose of wildlife interpretation and the observation of marine life. The vessel serves as a prototype for the construction of other electric vessels.
As the owner and operator of Reef, Steve Edmondson, whose company philosophy is "It's all about the environment," it was a no-brainer for him to develop the sea-worthy vessel that had the best environmental credentials.
“Low Isles was the first place for coral research in 1928. So the fact that we are operating the world's first eTender glass bottom boat to this carbon neutral island is a nice addition to that record,” said Steve.
“I like to think Sailaway is an inspiration for increasing awareness and appreciation of our fragile, yet beautiful natural environment. Successful Eco Tourism has the privilege to connect people together from around the world to natural attractions at a time when we all must strive to be kinder to our planet Earth of eight billion population.”
Since 2013, Sailaway Port Douglas has been contributing to the local tree planting initiative, Eco Shamba Tree Farm, in order to offset carbon emissions. This company has been hailed as one of the first Advanced Ecotourism Operators and Climate Action Leaders in Australia. In addition to operating a small fleet of luxury sailing vessels that are mostly focused on wind power, the firm is also in the process of developing an additional larger AMSA NSCV vessel with thirty seats for Sailaway's Outer Reef destination.
Steve believes that his inventions are opening the way for future entirely "off-grid" sustainable power boating to pristine areas such as islands, ecologically vulnerable sites, small passenger transfers, dive and snorkel services, birds and wildlife spotting, education, and eco-tourism resorts. He believes that this will be possible in the future.
Steve Edmondson, created the company's 100% electric tender by drawing on his experience at Pasma Electrics and Ocean Blue Boats in Cairns. Ocean Blue Boats has been responsible for its construction. The eTender makes use of the most recent technological advancements made by Torqeedo, the innovator in the field of electric maritime power. With their completely electric Cruise 12R outboards and associated 48-volt lithium-ion batteries, the Cruise 12R outboards are an excellent choice for use in environmentally significant areas.
Discover More: Sailaway Port Douglas
