Navigating the journey to cleaner air, Sandwich Riverboat Tour lowers emissions on the Kent waterways

Introduction

Sandwich Riverboat Tours have been operating along the river Stour, Kent since 1999. Three vessels guide visitors along the river and tell the story of the area and the unique mix of wildlife that can be seen along the river banks, learning of everything from the perfect habitats for the white clawed crayfish to the tour’s main attraction, common seals, that can be seen at the edge of the river leading out to the sea.

The challenge

Previously boats ran on diesel and owner, Captain Colin Carr, looked for alternatives due to reduce the environmental impact that operations had on the area. “We are a governed ‘sites of special scientific interest’ (SSSIs) site which is protected by law to conserve their wildlife or geology. The tour navigates a stretch of the river looked after by the Shellness RSPB and the Pegwell Bay Kent Wildlife Trust, so it’s vital that our tours are safe and offer no hazards or risks to the wildlife that we are passionate about protecting.”

The solution

The Sandwich Tug Boat has been running on GTL Fuel all winter. Exhaust emissions were immediately reduced significantly with no smell or fumes – even customers have noticed. No engine or tank modifications were needed, which was a huge benefit as the fuel dropped straight in. Despite the frosty weather the engine now starts without needed a ‘cold start’ due to switching the fuel. The engine on the boat was built in 1970, a six litre ford diesel. Since using GTL Fuel the combustion is has improved and the engine oil has stayed cleaner for longer. Captain Carr commented “I noticed this on my first oil change, usually the oil is black by week one, but since using GTL Fuel it’s not until week three the oil is starting to blacken.”