Smooth Sailing, Zero Emissions: Emerald Star Unveils Its Game-Changing Fleet for 2025
October, 2024. “Emerald Star is thrilled to announce its 2025 fleet expansion, featuring the eco-friendly Liberty luxury cruiser and a shift to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel to reduce emissions by up to 90%. This year’s €100 million investment includes 400 new boats and added mooring points in France’s Charente and Narbonne regions, making sustainable travel even more accessible. Please see the full release below and let me know if you’d like any more information. Best wishes.” From Rachel Reditt, Head of Brand & Acquisition
Emerald Star, the leading provider of self-drive boating holidays in Europe, the UK, and Canada, continues to drive sustainable tourism with the launch of a new fuel initiative and an exciting fleet expansion for 2025. As part of its ambitious sustainability plans, Emerald Star is expanding its use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel across its fleet, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the highest standard of eco-friendly travel.
In addition to this green fuel transition, Emerald Star will unveil its new luxury Liberty boat, a self-drive cruiser designed for a premium travel experience. This state-of-the-art vessel will join the fleet in 2025, providing travellers with an environmentally friendly and stylish way to explore Europe’s picturesque waterways.
2025 Fleet Expansion: The Liberty Boat
Luxury on the water is getting a major upgrade as Emerald Star partners with Groupe Beneteau to redefine the self-drive boating experience. In line with Emerald Star’s mission to innovate, Emerald Star will invest €100 million into its fleet, including 400 brand-new Delphia boats. The first of the Liberty model debuts in 2025, offering top-tier comfort on the rivers of France, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. In line with Emerald Star’s mission to innovate, the new Liberty boat range will debut in 2025.
The boat features a large forward cabin with a plush memory foam double bed and ensuite bathroom, plus a smaller double cabin with a separate bathroom. The thoughtfully designed interior includes air conditioning, heating, panoramic hull windows, and extra storage space. The state-of-the-art kitchen is equipped with a built-in dishwasher, a Nespresso machine, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Looking ahead, Emerald Star is also exploring the development of electric boats in partnership with Delphia, part of Groupe Beneteau. Prices for a week’s self-catering holiday aboard a Liberty boat start from €3,000, with space to sleep up to five people in two cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
Pioneering Shift to HVO Fuel
As part of its green initiatives, Emerald Star is embracing HVO fuel, a sustainable diesel alternative made from used vegetable oils, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%. Currently, Emerald Star’s entire fleet on the Lot River in France operates on HVO fuel, with a 20% HVO blend in the Dutch fleet and successful trials underway in Ireland. Plans for expansion to Canada and other regions are underway, targeting a sustainable transformation of the fleet within the next 15–20 years.
“Our commitment to sustainability drives every aspect of our operations,” said Andrew Bromilow, Project Delivery Director at Emerald Star. “The transition to HVO is a key step towards a greener future, allowing us to offer our customers an eco-friendly holiday without compromising on quality or comfort.”
Emerald Star’s dedication to environmental responsibility extends beyond HVO fuel. Through partnerships with the Blue Marine Foundation, the company promotes marine conservation, recycling initiatives, and eco-friendly practices across its operations.
New Mooring Points in Charente and Narbonne
Emerald Star is expanding its presence along the Charente River in France with a new mooring point in Angoulême, adding to its existing base in Jarnac. As the home of the International Comics Festival, Angoulême also offers convenient access to the Cognac region, giving travellers the opportunity to experience the charm and flavours of this quintessentially French area.
Additional mooring points have also been introduced in Narbonne, located on the Canal de la Robine. This vibrant city, brimming with historic sites and culinary experiences, is the gateway to many adventures. A leisurely four-hour cruise north brings boaters to the Canal du Midi. These new locations enhance flexibility and options for Emerald Star customers, enriching their French cruising experiences.
Brochure Launch
Emerald Star’s new 2025 brochure, showcasing its diverse offerings, expanded fleet, and sustainable initiatives, is now available. For more information, visit the brochure page.
About Emerald Star
Emerald Star is the No.1 provider of inland water boating holidays in the UK, Europe, and Canada, bringing together more than 50 years of experience, expertise, and memories. The operator has a fleet of large self-drive cruisers, allowing entire families, and groups of friends, to stay on board and explore their chosen region. To cater for the growing popularity of Emerald Star’s ownership programme, the agreement will also enable customers to invest in the new top-of-the-range boats. The popular programme allows owners to enjoy guaranteed income whilst taking on average eight weeks’ holiday every year on their own boat, or a sister boat across Emerald Star’s 17 cruising regions in Europe and Canada. Since 2016, Emerald Star has seen a threefold increase in their boat ownership programme since their Horizon fleet was launched.
For more information or to book your self-drive river cruising holiday, visit our website