AN innovative canal boat designed by a Bradford firm has successfully been launched on the water.

Formation Plastics, a plastics fabrication company based on Cutler Heights Lane, celebrated launching its first High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) canal boat on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Rodley.

As the Bradford firm gears up to design a narrowboat for the prestigious Crick Boat Show next May, Shaun Moir, sales and marketing manager, spoke to the T&A about the advantages of HDPE.

"HDPE is an incredibly resilient material,” he said. “Unlike traditional materials such as steel or wood, HDPE is resistant to corrosion, doesn't rust and is highly impact resistant.

"For canal boats, which spend prolonged periods in water, this material offers a range of advantages. It’s easy to clean, requires minimal upkeep and allows boat owners to focus on enjoying their time on the water, rather than constant maintenance.

"Our boats are designed with sustainability in mind. HDPE has a long lifespan—boats made from this material can last for decades.

“When the time comes, the material can be recycled, making it an eco-friendly option in a world increasingly conscious of environmental impacts."

With the successful launch of the HDPE canal boat, Mr Moir said: "Getting our first boat into the water is a huge accomplishment for us. It validates all the hard work we’ve put into the project and proves that our concept works in real-world conditions.

"The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. People are impressed with the smooth ride and the durability of the boat.

"Now that we have our first boat in the water, our next goal is to push the boundaries even further with the design of an HDPE narrowboat."

In contrast to the 10 foot widebeam boat, narrowboats are six feet eight inches wide and can go through any canal lock in the UK.

The company will soon begin development of a narrowboat to be ready for the Crick Boat Show 2024.

"Crick is a significant event in the boating calendar," said Mr Moir. "It's where the industry’s latest innovations are showcased, and we're thrilled to bring our HDPE narrowboat design to such a prestigious stage.

"This show provides an ideal opportunity for us to highlight just how versatile and durable HDPE is.

“It's a lighter material than steel, which makes it more fuel-efficient—a major plus for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

"We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to showcase our narrowboat at Crick next year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the full potential of HDPE in this industry.”