Cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink has won recognition for its ongoing campaign to reduce carbon emissions and encourage environmental initiatives.
The Isle of Wight ferry operator has won the ‘Communicating Sustainability’ award from the Southern Sustainability Partnership and was presented with a trophy by Chris Packham at a ceremony in Southampton.
Since Wightlink’s hybrid energy flagship, Victoria of Wight, entered service on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route in 2018, the company has embarked on a major programme to review its operations and operate as sustainably as possible.
By combining conventional engines with powerful batteries, Victoria of Wight’s carbon emissions are 20% less than other similar ships. Across the company Wightlink has cut emissions by 47% since 2007 and has ambitions for its next new ferry to be all-electric.
Wightlink’s achievements have already attracted national attention. The Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan showcased Victoria of Wight as a pioneering example of sustainable transport, as UK shipping aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, the Cabinet Office interviewed senior master Captain Sam Mitchell for a video on sustainability ahead of the COP26 gathering of world leaders in 2021.
Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield, has said:
“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award.
“While Wightlink always operates as sustainably as possible, we are also committed to spreading the word about the importance of reducing carbon emissions both within the shipping sector and further afield.”
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Across Wightlink, almost nothing goes to landfill, 99% of rubbish is recycled or used to generate electricity, wooden cutlery has replaced plastic knives, forks and spoons and single-use plastics are eliminated whenever possible. Electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed and solar power generation is being explored.
Wightlink has also achieved a Silver Award from Green Tourism, the largest and most established sustainable certification programme in the world. This scheme recognises businesses’ success in working responsibly, ethically and sustainably, contributing to their community, reducing their impact on the environment and aiming to be accessible and inclusive to all visitors and staff. To achieve accreditation,
Wightlink has also been nominated for Best Ferry Operator in this year’s British Travel Awards and the results will be announced on Tuesday 29th November 2022
And all that carbon reduction will not make one jot of difference to the atmosphere. Until the heavy industries of America, China and India clean up their act, whatever anyone else does is just paying lip service to the problem and is therefore pointless.
And thay achieved this by cancelling its crossing
Well done to Wightlink.
Shame Dopey Southern Vector do not do the same.
2 large double decker No. 8 Buses this afternoon gridlocked the Road outside
Yaverland Manor
Why don’t the idiots communicate when approaching that point, this is not the 1st time they
have done tnis.
It also happens nr Nettlestone on the Bend.
Hardly any passengers on each bus.
Why the **** do Southern Vectis run such large buses down such roads.
They only need to run minibuses on such routes.
Therefore better for the climate too!
Get some brains for Christmas Southern Vectis.
I love Wightlink.
Best prices and substainable energy.
Just try running a sustainable service
Wightlink has also been nominated for Best Ferry Operator in this year’s British Travel Awards ….. !! who were the other nominees …?? Wightlink best ferry operator .. what a joke high costs, low service reliability..
Never mind reducing emissions etc reduce the bloody prices – rip off merchants