Timed to coincide with World Earth Day, the move is set to develop the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing their environmental impact across both operations and product output.
A Cleaner Fuel for Factory and Fleet
The new HVO tank will be used to supply the company’s entire fleet of vehicles as well as all diesel-powered tenders produced at the site. This change comes after Yanmar Marine International approved the use of HVO in its Yanmar 4LV engine range, which powers all nine of Williams’ diesel models, including the DieselJet and EvoJet series, as well as SOLAS-certified craft.
HVO, often referred to as renewable diesel, is produced from waste materials like used cooking oil and other non-food-grade vegetable oils. It delivers up to 97% fewer net CO₂ emissions than conventional diesel, according to UK government greenhouse gas estimates. Though emissions can vary depending on feedstock sources, Williams is working closely with its suppliers to better assess the full environmental impact of the switch.
The use of HVO is also growing across the wider superyacht sector. The 84m superyacht Obsidian by Feadship, for example, ran her generators on HVO during sea trials, achieving a 90% reduction in carbon emissions.
Easy Fuel Transition with Major Benefits
A key advantage of HVO is its ease of adoption. No engine modifications are required for use in Yanmar’s current generation 4LV units, aside from a fuel filter update in older serial numbers. HVO also complies with European fuel standards and has proven stability and resistance to bacterial contamination, making it a practical and effective alternative to fossil-based diesel.
This new initiative follows a year of notable recognition for Williams, which was recently named winner of the ‘Sustainability Project of the Year’ at the 2024 IBI Boat Builder Awards. The award recognised the company’s broader efforts to cut emissions and lead environmental change within the marine sector.
Support from Industry Partners
Dan Bloice-Smith, Operations Director and Sustainability Chair at Williams, said the installation reflects the company’s growing focus on reducing emissions: “Installing our own HVO tank at the Williams factory showcases the improvements we’re making to our operations. The approval of HVO for our large diesel models, which use Yanmar 4LV engines, is another major step forward."
The approval of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for our YANMAR 4LV engines marks a significant step towards reducing emissions in the industry. We are pleased to see Williams Jet Tenders take a proactive approach by installing their own HVO tank and leading the way in sustainable marine solutions."
Director of Sales and Marketing
YANMAR Marine International
YANMAR Marine International has echoed the sentiment. “The approval of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for our YANMAR 4LV engines marks a significant step towards reducing emissions in the industry. We are pleased to see Williams Jet Tenders take a proactive approach by installing their own HVO tank and leading the way in sustainable marine solutions.”
Inside Williams Jet Tenders
Founded in 2004 by Roy Parker and brothers Mathew and John Hornsby, Williams Jet Tenders is widely recognised as the leading jet tender specialist, known for pioneering the first 4-stroke jet and turbojet range. Operating from an 80,000 sq ft facility in Oxfordshire, the company employs over 140 staff and produces each tender by hand, with rigorous on-water testing to ensure consistently high standards.
Williams offers 18 models across six product ranges, including:
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Williams TurboJet 285 - Practical and fun, this model sits up to 3 and fits a wide range of garages from major yacht brands.
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Williams SportJet 345 - Aimed at watersports enthusiasts, this model offers high performance and space for up to 5 guests.
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Williams DeselJet 505 - A refined superyacht tender range combining style and comfort, with seating for up to 8.
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Williams EvoJet 70 - The flagship 23ft waterjet-powered craft with a capacity for up to 13 guests.
As the company continues to refine its product line, this latest shift to renewable diesel marks a clear alignment between Williams’ commitment to craftsmanship and its drive toward environmental responsibility. With its operations now powered by HVO and its tenders fully compatible with the cleaner fuel, Williams Jet Tenders is taking measurable steps toward a more sustainable future in marine manufacturing.
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