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A 3 minute Read by Suzy Hobbs
At Hobbs of Henley, we’ve spent over 150 years helping people create exceptional moments on the River Thames. With such a long history on these waters, we understand the responsibility that comes with caring for this unique environment. As more companies look to host events with purpose, we’re proud to support organisations that want to make sustainability part of their corporate experience – while being transparent about where we are on our own environmental journey.
While our larger passenger vessels remain essential for big corporate occasions, these vessels are not currently able to operate in an eco-friendly way. However, we are investing significantly in the future. Our goal is clear:
In line with British Marine’s decarbonisation strategy, we are committed to significantly reducing our environmental impact. By 2030, at least 30% of our fleet will be electric or hybrid. By 2040, that figure will rise to 80%, and by 2050, we aim to have a carbon net zero fleet.
This transformation is already underway.
A Greener Choice: Electric & Hybrid Options
Although our larger boats cannot yet run on sustainable technologies, we do offer environmentally considerate alternatives for smaller corporate groups:
- Electric 6-Seater Boats – Perfect for intimate outings or breakout sessions, these fully electric boats offer a completely emission-free experience on the river. While not suited for larger corporate groups, they demonstrate what the future of river cruising can be.
- Lilibet – Our 12-Seater Hybrid Launch – Lilibet brings together comfort, style and significantly reduced emissions. For smaller teams, leadership groups or VIP clients, she provides a quieter, cleaner way to travel on the Thames for up to 6 hours silent electric cruising.
Choosing one of these greener vessels signals a genuine commitment to sustainability, an action your clients and colleagues will notice.
Showcasing Your Sustainability in Action
A river cruise can support your sustainability goals by helping you:
- Reduce the environmental impact of your event by choosing our electric or hybrid options where suitable.
- Demonstrate your organisation’s alignment with greener practices, even if your group size requires one of our traditional vessels, your event can still incorporate meaningful sustainable elements.
- Inspire conversations and awareness among your team within a unique, scenic environment.
‘Green’ Corporate Packages: Built Around Better Choices
Even if your group size means using one of our conventional vessels, your event can still champion sustainability. Our tailored Green Corporate Packages introduce eco-conscious choices throughout your experience:
- Carbon-Conscious Catering: We work with local suppliers committed to sustainable sourcing. This not only supports our community but dramatically reduces food miles.
- Delicious Plant-Based Menus: Our chefs craft incredible, vibrant, and tempting plant-based options that prove fine dining doesn’t need to cost the earth. (Of course, we can cater for all dietary needs, but we encourage the greener choice!)
- Low-Waste Styling & Digital Invites: We embrace reusable, low-waste decorations and encourage digital communication to cut down on paper usage, ensuring your event is beautifully styled without the unnecessary clutter or waste.
Protecting What We Love
Our commitment to the river goes beyond our fleet. It’s about community and collaboration.
As a business at the heart of Henley’s river economy, we see first-hand how flooding and pollution can affect everyone who lives and works along the Thames. Building resilience and sharing knowledge are key to protecting both our community and the river that sustains it. Our Managing Director, Jonathan Hobbs, will be joining the panel at Greener Henley’s Big Green Conversation ‘Protecting What We Love: Tackling Flooding and Pollution at the Kenton Theatre in Henley to discuss how local businesses can work together to safeguard the Thames and strengthen Henley’s future. Together, we can make Henley’s economy cleaner, safer and more resilient.
We’re not just running a business, we’re part of a movement to protect our incredible natural assets.
Ready to book a corporate event that truly makes a difference? Get in touch with our friendly team today and let’s start planning your sustainable cruise on the beautiful Thames!
