Sustainability

The team at Freedom Boat Adventures are conscious about the environment and their responsibility towards a sustainable future. Not satisfied with running a boat using fossil fuels, we set about researching various options to ensure we were part of a solution to sustainability rather than being part of the problem.
We got in touch with RAWCO Fuels, an official distributor of Sustain, which is a biofuel manufactured here in the UK, what's even better is that it's local to Freedom Boat Adventures, with their production site in Thurrock, Essex.

What is a 'sustainable fuel'?

In brief, sustainable liquid fuels are a less carbon intensive source of energy (utilising carbon captured from the atmosphere or recovered from waste feedstocks), that are economically viable and socially acceptable to end users.

Sustainable fuels are made from renewable materials in replacement of fossil fuels. They must also comply with sustainability criteria around things like land use, water footprint, and so on.

There are several different types of sustainable fuel. They can be second generation biofuels, made with agricultural waste such as straw, by-products or waste from crops or food manufacturing which wouldn't be used for consumption. They can also be synthetic or e-fuels, created in a chemical process.

Sustainable fuels are sustainable because they effectively recycle the carbon. The carbon a sustainable fuel contains is captured or absorbed from the atmosphere during the production process - for example, the agricultural products absorb CO2 whilst they grow. Once it is turned into fuel and burnt, that same carbon is then released back into the atmosphere. It can then be captured again by the plants, to be turned into more fuel, to repeat the cycle. Fossil fuel, on the other hand, has held its carbon safe underground for millions of years, and burning it releases additional CO2 back into the atmosphere that was not there before.

RAWCO Fuels

RAWCO Fuels are extremely interested in our project and have offered to support us by supplying Sustain fuel for 2025 and beyond. This is fantastic for the environment, but also we're proud to be involved with their journey to educate the world on sustainable fuel. Together we can make a difference and that couldn't be more true.

We're already planning to use the Sustain fuel as an educational piece for all the adults and children that take to the water with Freedom Boat Adventures. We think it's an important product given its versatility, as it can be used for all kinds of combustion engines from lawn mowers to cargo ships.

Green Credentials

Solar Panels

Using solar panels on our boat offers several sustainability benefits, making them an excellent choice for our eco-conscious business model.

Here are the key advantages:

1. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Solar panels generate clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels like diesel or gasoline, which produce greenhouse gases and air pollution.

2. Energy Independence

With solar power, boats can generate electricity without needing to refuel frequently, making them more self-sufficient, especially for long voyages or remote locations.

3. Quiet & Low Maintenance Operation

Unlike generators, solar panels operate silently, eliminating noise pollution. They also have minimal moving parts, reducing the need for maintenance.

4. Cost Savings

Though the upfront cost of solar panels can be high, they significantly lower fuel and generator maintenance costs over time, leading to long-term savings.

5. Extended Battery Life

Solar panels help keep batteries charged and prevent deep discharges, prolonging battery lifespan and reducing waste from frequent replacements.

6. Versatile and Scalable

Solar panels can be installed on various parts of a boat, including rooftops and decks, and they can be scaled up or down depending on power needs.

7. Reduced Environmental Impact

By reducing fuel consumption and emissions, solar panels help protect marine life and preserve water quality.

Electric Slow Manoeuvring Engines

Slow manoeuvring electric engines offer several benefits, especially in applications like ships, industrial machinery, and electric vehicles. Here are some key advantages:

1. Energy Efficiency

Electric motors can operate efficiently at low speeds without the high fuel consumption typical of internal combustion engines (ICEs).
Regenerative braking can be used to recover energy in some applications, such as electric vehicles or cranes.

2. Precise Control

Electric motors provide instant torque and can be finely controlled, making them ideal for slow-speed maneuvering in tight spaces.
Variable speed drives (VSDs) allow smooth acceleration and deceleration, reducing mechanical stress.

3. Reduced Emissions & Noise

Unlike diesel or gasoline engines, electric motors produce zero emissions at the point of use, which is beneficial for both the environment and indoor applications.
They operate much quieter, reducing noise pollution in ports, factories, and urban environments.

4. Low Maintenance & Longevity

Fewer moving parts mean less wear and tear compared to internal combustion engines.
No need for complex fuel injection systems, gearboxes, or exhaust after-treatment systems.

5. Improved Safety

Electric motors can provide instant braking and emergency stop functions, which is crucial for applications like marine propulsion or automated industrial processes.
No risk of fuel leaks or flammable vapors, reducing fire hazards.

6. Adaptability & Integration with Automation

Easily integrated into automated systems using sensors and AI for precise maneuvering.
Can work with renewable energy sources (e.g., battery storage, solar, or fuel cells) for sustainable operation.

"Meeting the team at Freedom and learning about this project was truly inspiring. We just had to get involved and were proud to be using the Freedom Boat Adventure mission as part of our example of marine sustainability. We hope this affiliation will help them to raise further funding from other companies and organisations"

Andrew Ruddock

RAWCO Fuels Limited