Solar-powered Rental Boat Terminal, Copenhagen Picnic Boats, Architecture, Building, Photos

Goboat on Islands Brygge

Islands Brygge Building, København, Danmark – design by Carl Kai Rand

29 May 2014

Goboat Islands Brygge

Design: Carl Kai Rand

The course is set for happy days as Goboat, Copenhagen’s newest start-up, launches its fleet of solar-powered, Kebony-clad picnic boats. Founded by entrepreneurs Carl Kai Rand and Kasper Hojer Romme, the project was designed with nature and sustainability considerations at its core, aiming to create a maritime oasis in the heart of Denmark’s capital city.

It was paramount that the concept was centred on eco-friendly principles which led to Goboat’s partnership with Kebony, a Norwegian wood company. Kebony has delivered sustainable, aesthetic and high-performance wood for the Goboat terminal, the floating bridge and the cladding for the boats themselves. Further environmental innovations employed in these Danish designed boats include the use of recycled plastic on the boats and a solar-powered rental terminal developed by Gaia Solar.

The design of the Goboats terminal, located at Islands Brygge in Copenhagen Harbour pool, complements the architecture of its location in the harbor. The design has strong references to maritime structures and an affinity with the modern developments in the vicinity of the harbour that houses some of the largest Danish architectural works, including the opera house. The materials used for the project were also selected to complement and add beauty to the area. Kebony wood evolves with its surroundings to develop a beautiful silver grey patina over time which perfectly complements its maritime setting.

The project’s founders have great admiration for the spirit of the maritime world and the unique experiences that water provides. Designer and architect Carl Kai Rand said: “We have both missed a sanctuary of this kind in Copenhagen so we created Goboat as a platform for cultural and sustainable experiences for both the residents of Copenhagan and the visitors to the city. By offering guests the ability to experience the beautiful capital city by water, Goboat is supporting the Copenhagen Municipality’s vision of creating “a port of options”

Adrian Pye, International Sales Director of Kebony, added: “Kebony wood is perfectly suited for waterside projects such as this where durability and resilience are prime requirements for the construction materials. We have been thrilled to work with this new company and believe the aesthetics of the Kebony wood tie in with the visual and cultural experience that Goboat are creating for residents and visitors.”

Picnic baskets and refreshments are available from the Goboat terminal. The boats can accommodate up to eight people and have a maximum speed of 6 knots; they do not require a speedboat driver’s license to operate.