BACK
June 1, 2026
Prince of Whales is committed to leading innovation in marine tourism by reducing the environmental impact of traditional combustion-powered vessels. As a climate-positive company, we offset at least 110% of our emissions and have set an ambitious target to reduce per-passenger emissions by 50% before 2030. However, the lack of alternative marine fuels at local fuel docks presents a major operational barrier. To overcome this, we have pursued new technological solutions that directly reduce fuel use, underwater noise, and long-term ecological impact. Our strategy combines two major innovations: toroidal propellers and advanced silicone hull coatings. Toroidal propellers, installed on our Victoria Zodiacs, feature ooped blades that reduce underwater noise, benefiting cetaceans that rely on sound, and reduce fuel consumption by 20–30%. At the same time, we have applied Silic One biocide-free silicone hull coating to two of our vessels. This ultra-smooth hydro-gel surface significantly reduces drag, improving fuel efficiency and lowering greenhouse-gas emissions while eliminating toxic biocides found in traditional antifouling paints.
The installation of toroidal propellers marked a significant departure from traditional propulsion systems. Before full adoption, Prince of Whales conducted controlled tests to evaluate performance. Fuel usage was carefully measured before and after installation by fuelling vessels, running them across predetermined routes and comparing output against vessels with standard propellers. The results enabled informed decision-making and built the foundation for expanding the technology to the full Zodiac fleet. The combined innovations of toroidal propellers and silicone hull coatings have delivered measurable and significant environmental benefits. In 2021, emissions for Prince of Whales were 40.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger. Through targeted operational adjustments and the introduction of new technologies, the company reduced this figure to 30.4 kilograms per passenger by the end of 2023. This represents a reduction of more than 25 percent in only two years and reflects a major advancement toward long-term emissions goals.
The Zodiac fleet in Victoria previously consumed an average of 128,462 litres of fuel per year, contributing 299 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. With the introduction of toroidal propellers, the test vessel demonstrated an approximate 30 percent decrease in fuel consumption, dropping from 14.63 litres per passenger to an estimated 10.24 litres per passenger. Once the entire fleet is retrofitted, the projected reduction is more than 38,000 litres of fuel annually, representing meaningful progress toward emission reduction targets.
In addition to emissions benefits, toroidal propellers produce lower underwater noise, supporting healthier conditions for cetaceans that rely on acoustic communication and echolocation. Together, these technologies position Prince of Whales at the forefront of marine innovation. Both initiatives support our long-term objective: to decarbonize our fleet meaningfully and sustainably, improve passenger-per-trip efficiency, and champion sustainable marine transportation in alignment with UN climate-action targets. These advancements demonstrate our proactive approach to operational sustainability and our commitment to pioneering solutions that protect the Salish Sea ecosystem while elevating responsible tourism.
