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Business Spotlight: Aqueduct Marina Focus On Going Greener in 2022.

Each month we will be interviewing a local business that is pioneering in their sector and taking the lead to make innovative, green and/or creative changes to their business and their industry.

For this month (February 2022), we have interviewed Aqueduct Marina, Nantwich based award winning Marina who are implementing big changes to their business to reduce their carbon footprint, go greener and taking steps to inform their customers, suppliers and business connections about the changes that they could be making. Plus we asked what they are expecting to see in the next 12 months in their industry. 

Firstly, tell us a little bit about Aqueduct Marina?

Aqueduct Marina is an award winning, 5 Gold Anchor Inland Marina based on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal nr Nantwich, Cheshire. The marina offers a range of serviced moorings for all lengths of narrowboats and a wide range of facilities including a fully staffed boat yard.

Our boat yard provides a popular Hard Standing facility for those leaving boats for an extended stay or if they choose to do some DIY jobs, all locations have electric points and water. We also have a range of outstanding workshops to provide you with top-quality painting, blacking, engineering, welding, grit blasting and much more for your boat.

We have over 10 years of experience in the Brokerage and Sales of narrowboats; if you are buying or selling your narrowboat, you will be in safe hands with our professional guidance throughout the entire process.

Or, if you do not have a boat, book a tranquil, short stay on our Caravan Park or visit our lovely, licensed cafe.

Electric Charging Points at Aqueduct Marina

New Electric Car Charging Points at Aqueduct Marina

What have you implemented so far to become greener?

Over the past decade, we have been working closely with our environment, planting trees and hedgerows to encourage diverse flora and fauna to share our site with our workforce and customers.

We have also now enforced the removal of single-use plastics from our café.

The marina facilities building is heated by a ground source heat pump and also have domestic hot water which is supported by a solar system.

We have most recently installed 4x 22kw EV charging points, available for anyone to use, these charging points do not require a subscription, just a VendElectric App on your phone.

Working with British Marine and The Yacht Harbour Association, we are taking part in several initiatives which include “The Green Blue” and “Clean Marinas”, we aim to receive the first Inland Clean Marinas award.

Last but not least; we are also taking the plunge into HVO fuel and have ordered a tank specifically for the delivery of HVO to our customers in spring 2022.

What is HVO Fuel and how would your business and customer use this? 

We are aware that Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel that can be used in conventional diesel engines and so are some of our customers. With this in mind, we have started to make inroads into delivering HVO.

We are pleased to say that we have a tank specifically for the delivery of HVO on order at this time and it will be positing for a customers to use in spring 2022.

The current price of HVO is higher than that of Red Diesel which is available to narrowboats, however we will be offering both fuels in tandem to support our Greener customers who will in-turn reduce their net CO2 emissions by up to 90% with HVO. 

As a business, we will be assessing our use of conventional fuels and aim to implement a plan to reduce and remove fossil fuels in the future.

Chandlery - Aqueduct Marina

What has made you decide to go greener?

As a business, we have made the conscious decision to go greener; this is due to both our moral obligation and because we are aware that it is good for business.

So as the climate is changing, we are all able to have an impact on the future and can influence others to make these “Green Decisions”. Rather than simply providing a service that fills a need, we are offering choices to those who want to make a difference where possible.

Do you think that “Green” is something that your industry is conscious about?

Yes, both national and multi-national organisations within our industry are making instrumental changes to the way in which both businesses and consumers think about their impact on the natural environment.

We are members of some UK organisations and a greener future has become a highly regarded value to all members.

How can moorers reduce pollution and emissions?

There are a number of ways our customers can reduce their impact on the environment; here are a few which we are promoting in 2022:

  • Solar panels
  • HVO fuel
  • Bilge bags & filters (to capture engine room contaminations)
  • Eco friendly cleaning products

Do you think moorings will be used more for business purposes in the future if they are not already? If so, how do you think it will be used?

We are aware that there are a number of boats already being used as office space, we recently sold a boat for just this purpose here at Aqueduct Marina.

We also sold a boat which was fitted out exclusively as an office and situated in central Manchester as a clever alternative to expensive and conventional workplaces which don’t offer the opportunity to work closely within a green environment.

Following recent world events, it is highly likely that this trend will continue with both benefits to the inland waterways economy and those businesses who choose to reside upon the water with a rich and diverse environment within reach.

What are your predictions for your industry for the next 12 months?

A desire from customers to go green is ever present and will increase dramatically in the next 12 months, that’s why we’re getting ready. 

There will be many customers using EV transport to access our marina, there will be customers demanding HVO fuel and with such a significant increase in the cost of energy, solar panels are likely to be fitted on almost every narrowboat… and why not, these changes are good for all and can provide significant financial benefits.

What are your future plans as a business? 

We’ll continue to migrate our business from a reliance on fossil fuels, the purchasing of single use plastics and industrial processes which do not have a place in a greener future.

We will also increase the frequency of communications to our customers and wider audiences to encourage and educate them about the benefits of “Green Decisions”.

Aqueduct Marina Logo
Aqueduct Marina

Head over to Aqueduct Marina’s website to learn more about selling or buying a boat, engineering or painting of your existing boat or book to stay at their caravan park. 

You can also visit the Marina to enjoy a walk with your four legged friends and then enjoy a cake and a coffee at their cafe. 

01270 525040
aqueductmarina.co.uk
Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DX

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