Sailaway launches world’s first all-electric tender & glass bottom boat on Great Barrier Reef

BUSINESS FEATURE

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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EV Discovery on a glass bottom boat tour around the picturesque Low Isles off the coast of Port Douglas. Picture: Sailaway Port Douglas

Advanced Eco accredited and Climate Action leader tourism operator, Sailaway Port Douglas, launched the world’s first all-electric tender and glass bottom boat, providing a more sustainable and “whisper quiet” experience for guests heading out to the picturesque Low Isles and the Great Barrier Reef.

The 22 passenger “eTender”, EV Discovery, is 100% electric and is designed to operate as both a transfer tender and a glass bottom boat for coral viewing of the Reef’s rich underwater biosphere. The vessel is a prototype for further e-vessel developments.

Sailaway’s ‘EV Discovery’ the world’s first all-electric tender ensures whisper-quiet and eco-friendly trips to Low Isles. Picture: Sailaway Port Douglas

Using the latest technology from Torqueedo (the global leader in electric marine power), the EV Discovery pairs 48v lithium-ion batteries with solar power to drive the 12R outboards. Direct sun alone is sufficient to propel the vessel for glass bottom boat tours, creating a minimally intrusive experience for wildlife interpretation and marine life viewing.

Developing the sea-worthy vessel with the highest eco credentials for expeditions out to the picturesque Low Isles was a no-brainer for reef operator and owner Steve Edmondson whose corporate philosophy is ‘Its all about the environment.’

“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, when we must all strive to be kinder to our planet Earth of eight billion population.”

Hailed as one of the first Advanced Eco Tourism Operators and Climate Action Leaders in Australia, Sailaway Port Douglas has been offsetting carbon through contributions to local tree planting project Eco Shamba Tree Farm since 2013. Further to running a small fleet of luxury sailing vessels that focus on wind power, the company is now constructing another larger 30 seat AMSA NSCV vessel for Sailaway’s Outer Reef destination.

Steve believes his developments are paving the way for future fully “off-grid” sustainable power boating to pristine environments including off-grid locations, islands, environmentally threatened sites, small passenger transfers, dive and snorkel tender, birds and wildlife spotting, education and eco-tourism resorts.
 

Sailaway’s 100% electric tender was designed by Sailaway’s Steve Edmondson and built by Ocean Blue Boats in Cairns, Torqeedo, supplied by Port Douglas Marine and the expertise of Pasma Electrics. The tender harnesses the latest technology from Torqeedo, the global leader in electric marine power. The fully electric Cruise 12R outboards and paired 48v lithium-ion batteries are perfect to operate in iconic, beautifully natural locations.

For more info and to book a tour with Sailaway click here.

The EV Discovery utilises Torqueedo's cutting-edge technology, combining 48v lithium-ion batteries with solar power to propel its 12R outboards. Picture: Sailaway Port Douglas