Less Timber, More Ocean: Fibre Glass Innovation For Cleaner Waters

By Nelly Moraa Nyangorora

Wood is the centre of boatmaking across most water sources in the world.

Climate change, marine pollution and innovations however has seen the transition of the traditional craftsmanship of boats into climate friendly options like fibre glass.

A paradigm shift noted by Prof Anyang Nyongo, a Governor in one of Kenya’s Counties, Kisumu during the commissioning of five modern artisanal fibreglass fishing boats.

The commissioning at the Kichinjio and Nanga beaches in Kisumu mid 2025, saw the unveiling of a patrol vessel and an upgraded landing site. County Kisumu

 “The fibreglass boats are the future. They are engineered for stability and durability, directly addressing the tragic loss of life on the lake. They are also powerful economic tools.

Water sources across Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania , Uganda among others are embracing the viable alternative of fibreglass boats - not only for performance and durability but for its potential to reduce environmental impacts, improve health outcomes and harness modern materials. 

Fibre glass is offering a compelling path forward for sustainable marine vessels.

From Kenya to Ghana, fibre glass is emerging as the viable option. Benedict Lamptey, the managing director, fibreglass, in Ghana says the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority has spearheaded the construction of 20 fishing boats for use along the coastal belts of Ghana.

“With the advent of climate change where water bodies had become more turbulent for fishing and safe transport systems, what Ghana needed was fibre glass boats"

modernghana.com

BENEFIT	WOOD	FIBRE
Rot,Decay,Maintenance	Wood is vulnerable to pests, water damage, and requires intensive maintenance. Fibreglass has fewer replacements and less environmental costs over lifetime	Fibre glass protect against moisture, rot and decay extending lifespan sportsmanboatsmfg.com
Fuel efficiency/weight performance	Wooden boats are heavier thus more powerful engines ,more energy to move in the water	Fibreglass is lighter and can be moulded into smoother more efficient hulls- less fuel(energy) used-lower emissions

FIBRE GLASS BOATS OPERATIONS AT A GLANCE

Kenya: Kwale County / KEMFSED project	Kwale County distributed 13 fibreglass boats to fishermen and seaweed farmers to improve efficiency, productivity, food security, and income. The initiative is part of a broader blue economy effort. Kenya News
Kenya: Lake Turkana fisherfolk	Fishermen are moving from wooden canoes to fibreglass motorboats. Wooden hulls limited them to shallow waters; the newer fibre engine boats allow access to safer, deeper waters and improve livelihoods. NTV Kenya
Kenya: Kisumu County & Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL)	Joint initiative to build modern fibreglass boats for fishermen in various sub-counties. Also developing patrol & surveillance vessels. Designed to improve safety, reduce accidents, improve fish storage (cooler boxes), etc. Capital FM+3kenyatribune.com+3Tnx Africa+3
Ghana: Fibreglass Ghana / Coastal & Volta regions	Fibreglass Ghana has built fishing boats for coastal belts and Volta Lake to replace dugout canoes. Advantages cited: greater stability, robustness under rough waters, fewer accidents, environmental benefit through reduced demand for timber. modernghana.com+1
Tanzania: DMG & Zanzibar Ministry of Blue Economy	Tanzania is constructing multiple fibreglass boats (of various sizes) to support local fishing, improve durability over wooden boats, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs. Also recognizing environmental and resource conservation benefits (less strain on wood) with increasing local boat manufacture. dmg.co.tz
Uganda (and Great Lakes region)	UEL Resins & Fibreglass Ltd builds fibreglass boats and marine structures for Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan. The boats are promoted as lightweight, strong, resistant to water/weather/chemical ingress, useful lifespan of >30 years. uelresins.biz+1
Academic: University of Johannesburg research	There is research on using eco-friendly, recycled polymer composites in boat building (e.g. substituting or complementing fibreglass, using recycled plastics, polymers). This helps address disposal and environmental impact issues. University of Johannesburg

As Africa charts a path toward greener technologies, the steady penetration of fibre glass boats from Kenya’s Lake Victoria to Ghana’s coastal fisheries signals more than just an industry shift—it’s a climate-smart leap.

It is emerging as a durable, low-maintenance, and safer for both people and the planet. From enhancing marine protection to reducing deforestation pressures, they represent how innovation can float entire communities toward sustainability.

With governments, researchers, and local entrepreneurs all leaning in, the tide is clear: fibre glass is no longer the future of African waters—it’s already here, and it’s setting sail fast.