Wightlink, which brought England’s first hybrid energy ferry into service in 2018, has been recognised for its achievements in sustainable energy by Maritime UK, the umbrella body for the country’s maritime sector.
The Portsmouth-based ferry company is a finalist in the Clean Maritime Operator category of the Maritime UK 2020 Awards. It is the only ferry operator to be shortlisted.
Wightlink’s new flagship, Victoria of Wight, combines powerful batteries with conventional engines in its frequent crossings between Portsmouth and Fishbourne and uses 17% less fuel than similar vessels.
Keith Greenfield, CEO of Wightlink, has said:
“The arrival of Victoria of Wight heralded Wightlink’s Green Agenda. In our aim to become the country’s leading sustainable operator, our initiatives include installing Electric Vehicle charging points to help reduce emissions, promoting recycling throughout the business, supporting local companies by buying from them whenever possible and inspiring our customers about environmental issues, through educational partnerships.”
Maritime Minister, Robert Courts MP, adds:
“The 2020 Maritime UK Awards will be an important opportunity for the maritime sector to come together to celebrate its achievements, as well as its significant contribution to the UK’s Covid-19 response. I am delighted that this year’s event includes the DfT’s Clean Maritime Awards, highlighting how our world-leading sector is helping achieve our net-zero and emissions reduction targets.”
The maritime sector is one of the UK’s biggest industries, adding £46.1bn to the economy every year, and supporting 1.1 million jobs.
The winners will be announced at a live-streamed event from Plymouth on Thursday 12th November.
And the 1st prize goes to Wightlink, for it’s massive input to bringing Covid-19 to the island, and making sure it puts profit before peoples safety. Congratulations.
And charging extortionate ticket prices to boot!
Typical of you bloody islanders its really boring now…
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So sorry life is boring for you Deano
Wightlink aren’t the police and there was no law that said they could stop people coming from the mainland.
Yet another stupid comment from a so called “entitled” islander.
No but there should have been, people from mainland were here during lockdown and renting out places when they were meant to be closed.
One of the finalists, one must congratulate them for getting that far.
But will, uses 17% less fuel get it any further?
The batteries still need charging, so has this been taken into account?