ICOMIA podcast: Robert Parton on promoting inland waterways
Robert Parton, owner of Aqueduct Marina and president of British Marine, discusses moving beyond marina operations into the strategic realities shaping the UK inland waterways sector.
Parton, who evolved Aqueduct Marina from a former farming business into a fully integrated inland marine hub – says British Marine is protecting the inland sector. He cites the organisation’s successful intervention on UK business rates reform – which would have significantly increased costs for marinas.
Challenges with canal infrastructure fragility
But there are still many challenges: infrastructure fragility, the economic ripple effect of canal closures, pressures on the hire boat market, and the long-term value of coordinated industry advocacy.
For marine professionals, Parton offers several pathways in the podcast.
First, he says, industry associations deliver tangible return on investment – membership is not symbolic. British Marine’s lobbying on business rates shows that. Collective representation gives the industry a voice that individual operators simply don’t have.
Secondly, fixed costs define risk in marina operations. Business rates are a non-negotiable overhead, and even marginal tax increases can determine whether investment projects remain viable. Cash resilience is therefore central to long-term sustainability.
There are also wider structural lessons. Inland waterways operate as interconnected systems, so a single canal breach can shut down entire cruising routes and impact hire fleets, brokerage, servicing and regional demand nationwide.
Public perception shaped by media
Public perception matters too. Negative headlines about canal closures can reduce bookings, particularly in the hire boat sector, as media narratives influence consumer confidence during key booking periods.
At the same time, inland marinas function as micro-economies, generating local employment, tourism spend and reinvestment into infrastructure. Crucially, demand fundamentals remain strong, with sustained domestic and international appetite for UK canal boating signalling long-term opportunity if infrastructure and policy alignment are maintained.
People have genuine emotional connections with canals
Parton says last year’s Southampton International Boat Show showcased inland waterways with a canal boat feature for the first time. “The public response was incredible. People love the canals. They have stories, memories and a genuine emotional connection.
“The demand is there, not just from the UK but internationally. The canal network is a national asset and a treasure. The opportunity exists – it just needs protecting and supported.
“Through British Marine, we continue to lobby government and raise awareness of the importance of inland waterways. With the right investment and policy support, the future can still be very positive.”
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