top of page
bdouglas200

Tackling Climate Action in the Maritime Industry

Updated: Mar 22, 2023


A ferry designed for improving climate change
A new ferry for our clients Fullers 360 has been specifically designed for reducing carbon emissions and lowering the impact on our marine environment.

"Climate action is any policy, measure, or program that reduces greenhouse gases, builds resilience to climate change, or supports and finances those goals. Climate action is therefore enormously diverse, ranging from cities committing to more efficient building standards, companies putting a price on carbon in their investment decisions, or a coalition of companies and farmers’ groups that deploys climate-smart agriculture practices."

Fossil-fuelled transport has a big climate impact. Explore the alternatives, from electric vehicles to e-bikes. Or stay put and let technology connect you.


Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, water pollution, and many other effects of climate change impact the recreational boating community—boaters, anglers, dealers, manufacturers, and marinas. Without clean water and healthy and abundant fish populations, our community will be unable to enjoy our cherished pastimes, putting thousands of boating businesses and jobs at risk. Addressing the growing threats from climate change will require a comprehensive international strategy and participation by a wide range of stakeholders. Over the past 20 years, the boating industry has made significant progress toward reducing our emissions and carbon footprint by implementing more sustainable manufacturing processes and creating cleaner technologies and products. Additionally, the recreational boating and fishing community has worked closely with elected officials at every level of government for decades to develop and advance policies and programs aimed at protecting our natural resources.


Check out the article about Sparky, the world's first electric tug boat


The worlds first electric tug boat - Sparky! Proudly using SeaLogs onboard
The world's first electric tug boat - Sparky! Proudly using SeaLogs onboard

The arrival of Sparky - who was named by the New Zealand public in a 2020 competition - has been heralded as a significant milestone for tugs, which traditionally are fuelled by diesel.



How will climate change affect the New Zealand marine environment?

This NIWA report for the Department of Conservation:

  • summarises the state of scientific knowledge as at October 2007

  • highlights some immediate actions which could be taken in response

  • identifies further research required

The possible climate change effects investigated in the report are:

climate change effects

Direct climate change effects

  • Sea-level rise

  • Changing wind & rainfall patterns

  • Ocean acidification

  • Changing ocean current patterns

  • Ocean warming

Indirect climate change effects

  • Changing primary production

  • Algal blooms

  • Vulnerability to invasive species

  • Vulnerability to diseases and parasites


What has the marine industry done?


➔ Introduced new manufacturing techniques like vacuum infusion to cut down on emissions from the fibreglass boat-building process.

➔ Phased-out flotation foams that contain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

➔ Switching to renewable energy sources to power facilities, as several marine manufacturers are now doing.

➔ Using marine grade/friendly eco-cleaning products

➔ Cutting down on waste and recycling materials whenever possible in manufacturing.

➔ Marine manufacturers are working with industry partners to eliminate all HFCs from the fibreglass boat manufacturing process by 2035.

➔ Boat builders have identified alternatives for “bottom paint” to prevent leaching into waterways.

➔ Manufacturing facilities are reducing the amount of water—by one million gallons per month in some cases—and natural gas consumed each year.


natural gas

Check out what the marine industry is doing!


➔ The marine industry is working with the EPA and other stakeholders to expand the availability of next-generation biofuels such as biobutanol to secure a long-term sustainable liquid fuel that will reduce overall GHG emissions while addressing the energy needs of recreational boats.

➔ Marine manufacturers are researching solar technology and energy storage advancements to power boats.

➔ Manufacturers of bowriders and ski boats are testing zero-emissions watercraft by utilizing electric propulsion.

➔ Industry partners have been researching and exploring the use of hydrogen cell technology to power recreational boats.

➔ Major marine engine manufacturers are working on alternative propulsion systems that would significantly reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency.

➔ Marine manufacturers are developing and implementing technologies to remove marine debris from our waters and tackle the growing problem of ocean waste.

➔ The recreational boating industry is analyzing the impact of derelict vessels on the environment and researching options and methods for recycling boats.


Check out the article links below to companies that are reducing their carbon footprint with some world firsts!


jet boat





Have you reviewed your carbon emissions?


Let's reduce carbon emissions together
You can't beat a clean ocean.

Click on the link below to see how you can start your climate action



44 views
bottom of page