Eco Vision at The Boat Works in Australia

Environmental management, sustainability and stringent procedures are top priorities at The Boat Works, already positioned as industry leaders in customer service, a vast array of skills and quality tradesmen.

The Boat Works has pursued the unique vision for the new northern superyacht shipyard, integrating high-tech water filtration systems and water harvesting innovations at the world-class facility.

From the start of construction, the objective was to create an eco-friendly marina and shipyard. The first step was rehabilitating the surrounding landscape and protecting the marine ecosystem across both yards, determined to set a new benchmark for clean, green marinas.

The north yard was specifically designed and built to be fully self-sufficient, making optimal use of the site in its layout, including concrete slabs with an effective gradient for collecting and channelling all water used on site for antifouling and other works.

Water used on site is drawn from the supply of 500,000 litres of stored rainwater, while extensive bio gardens throughout the yard are not only an aesthetic advantage, they are also part of the sophisticated filtration and purification process that filter roof and ground water.

Using the proudly Australian-made treatment process from Fox Environmental Systems, trade waste is treated by three onsite separators, treating oil, fuel and suspended wastewater. All wastewater is treated and passed through a ‘first-flush’ interceptor removing contaminates before being recycled for re-use or discharging into Council sewers.

The new superyacht sheds are illuminated with ‘high bay’ Aqualuma LED lights, premium commercial lighting that conserves energy and enhances the workspace in terms of safety and fatigue. This emphasis on innovative technology and preservation of the natural landscape caught the attention of Gerard McCormick, Director at 8LA landscape architecture, who visited The Boat Works in a personal capacity and was motivated to write to The Boat Works’ management with his observations.Mr McCormick praised the extensive “stormwater treatment devices and bio swales integrated along the edges of the hardstand”.

Mangroves along the waterfront have revived the marine ecosystem and protect the riverbank from wash. Mass planting and advanced trees provide shade, shelter and divide the large space into a series of working landscapes.

The Boat Works’ difference is not lost on visiting crews either. For the past three months, visiting crews have been welcomed to the new superyacht yard with a basket of fresh produce including spinach, lettuce, beans and fruit from the on-site gardens. Chief Stewardess aboard luxury charter vessel, MY Sahana described The Boat Works’ key environmental initiatives as “visible, welcome touches to a commercial shipyard, with plenty of greenspaces surrounding which is appreciated when working in this type of environment”. 

Not content to rest on their (organic, home-grown) laurels, The Boat Works now plans to expand their commitment to sustainable operations, establishing a second solar array and adding more designated recycled waste zones for use by tenants and visitors. “As custodians of this waterfront land, our aim since the beginning has been to surpass standards set for the marina industry,” said Tony Longhurst. “We are committed to operating sustainably and with minimal impact on the environment."  To find out more visit www.theboatworks.com.au