Le Boat, the leading provider of self-drive boating holidays in Europe and Canada, continues to drive sustainable tourism with the launch of a new fuel initiative and a fleet expansion for 2025.
As part of its ambitious sustainability plans, Le Boat – which owns Emerald Star in Ireland – is expanding its use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel across its fleet, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the highest standard of eco-friendly travel.
In addition to this green fuel transition, Le Boat will unveil its new luxury Liberty boat, a self-drive cruiser designed for a premium travel experience. This state-of-the-art vessel will join the fleet in 2025, providing travellers with an environmentally friendly and stylish way to explore Europe’s picturesque waterways.
Luxury on the water is getting a major upgrade as Le Boat partners with Groupe Beneteau to redefine the self-drive boating experience. In line with Le Boat’s mission to innovate, Le Boat will invest £100m into its fleet, including 400 brand-new Delphia boats.
The first of the Liberty model, debuts in 2025, offering top-tier comfort on the rivers of France, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Looking ahead, Le Boat is also exploring the development of electric boats in partnership with Delphia, part of Groupe Beneteau.
“Our commitment to sustainability drives every aspect of our operations,” said Andrew Bromilow, Project Delivery Director at Le Boat. “The transition to HVO is a key step towards a greener future, allowing us to offer our customers an eco-friendly holiday without compromising on quality or comfort.”
As part of its green initiatives, Le Boat is embracing HVO fuel, a sustainable diesel alternative made from used vegetable oils, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%. Currently, Le Boat’s entire fleet on the Lot River in France operates on HVO fuel, with a 20% HVO blend in the Dutch fleet and successful trials underway in Ireland. Plans for expansion to Canada and other regions are underway, targeting a sustainable transformation of the fleet within the next 15–20 years.
Le Boat’s dedication to environmental responsibility extends beyond HVO fuel. Through partnerships with the Blue Marine Foundation, the company promotes marine conservation, recycling initiatives, and eco-friendly practices across its operations.
