Sailaway powers ahead with eco innovation

That philosophy has guided Sailaway from the very beginning. 

Sixteen years ago, they were among the first to earn Advanced Eco Certification, and later became the first to achieve Climate Action Leader status, the highest eco-certification in Australian tourism.

Since then, they’ve continued to lead by example, constantly investing in new ways to reduce their footprint.

Their latest move? Adding a second 100 percent solar electric glass-bottom tender to their fleet, another step forward in their mission to deliver world-class reef experiences with minimal environmental impact.

This all-electric vessel, named the EV Explorer, joins their original solar-powered tender, EV Discovery, already in use on Sailaway’s Low Isles tours. 

While the two vessels share a similar design ethos - both are lightweight, solar-powered, and built for minimal impact - EV Explorer marks a refined evolution, built with newer technology and improved efficiency.

Electric evolution

Sailaway VII is the only catamaran offering daily tours from Port Douglas to Mackay Coral Cay.

Once at the cay, small groups board a whisper-quiet, glass-bottom e-tender for a smooth, zero-emission ride over the pristine reef.

The design has been tested across twelve months of mixed weather at Low Isles and proven to perform reliably in all conditions. 

Sailaway owner Steve Edmondson, who designed the tender himself, worked with Ocean Blue Boats and Pasma Electrical in Cairns to bring it to life.

According to Steve, the key lies in the vessel’s Torqeedo lithium-ion batteries, which recharge during the glass-bottom tour and use only the top 80 percent of their capacity.

Bifacial solar panels on the roof capture reflected ocean light while also providing shade for guests.

“We’ve never gone flat,” he said. “Even after a full day on the water, the EV Explorer can comfortably return to Port Douglas without needing to plug in.”

“You don’t need blazing sunshine every day for it to work,” he added. “The system keeps up, even through stretches of cloud and rain.”

While acknowledging that no solution is perfect, Steve is realistic about the trade-offs.

“Yes, lithium mining has a footprint,” he said, “but when you’ve got a system that’s self-sustaining for over a decade, you’re shifting the equation, especially with advances in recycling valuable materials.”

With the EV Explorer proving itself at sea, could this model work for other operators?

“Absolutely,” Steve said. “This kind of vessel could be adapted to places like Ningaloo or Lizard Island, anywhere remote where fuel logistics are challenging.”

Made in Cairns, the system is exportable and customisable. EV Discovery and EV Explorer are the first fully electric vessels to meet Australia’s highest marine safety standards.

“We’ve proven the concept,” he said. “It’s ready to go.”

More than just low impact

But above just aiming to “do less harm”, Sailaway focuses on how tourism can play a positive role on the reef and inspire more mindful travel.

“Eco Tourism is very influential to increase appreciation and awareness of our fragile environment in a positive way,” Steve said.

Their Outer Reef and Low Isles tours include daily coral health checks, reef monitoring, and educational briefings, all led by a team of marine biologists in collaboration with The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. 

These daily efforts support programs like the Coral Nurture Program and Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, with Sailaway collecting real-time data on every trip.