Scrabster to Stromness ferry operator NorthLink sets Gold standard for green award
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NorthLink Ferries has become the first ferry operator to achieve Gold standard in an environmental awards programme.
The ferry operator, which sails between Scrabster and Stromness, received the recognition from Green Tourism, an independent body that promotes greener ways for businesses and organisations to work.
Serco NorthLink Ferries has been praised for excelling in the health and wellbeing, awareness, community, and travel categories.
Green Tourism was impressed by its increase in environmental and sustainability awareness throughout the organisation. The firm says it uses eco-lighting across all offices and port flood lighting, its captains sail more efficiently to reduce emissions, rainwater from the lairage is harvested to wash the building, and animal waste is delivered to local farms for use as fertiliser.
On board its vessels, which also sail between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick, vehicle drivers are encouraged to turn off their engines whilst waiting to board, single use plastic cups have been removed from all vessels, and recycling bins are provided on all ships.
The Northern Isles Ferry Services contract operator was also applauded for its ground-breaking work which sees NorthLink credited as achieving the first large commercial ship shore connection in the UK.
The Hamnavoe Shore Power Project means when the vessel is docked in Stromness, for extended periods of time during the day, and at night-time, it is “plugged in” allowing the ferry’s onboard generators to be switched off.
The supply of locally-produced green electrical power cuts the carbon footprint from the generators, lowering fuel consumption and leading to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The project has lowered the ferry’s fuel consumption by 750 tonnes annually whilst also reducing sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and noise pollution.
Robert Smith, contract compliance for NorthLink Ferries, said: “When it comes to tackling climate change, we all have our part to play, and we are incredibly proud of this achievement.
“Being named as the first ferry operator to achieve Gold at the Green Tourism Awards is testament to the team’s commitment to protect the environment in which we operate, from our port in Aberdeen, to the seas we sail and the beautiful islands of Shetland and Orkney.
“Our work to further the net zero agenda underlines our pledge to reduce our impact by making responsible changes, encouraging energy efficient behaviours and reducing our footprint on land, as well as at sea.”
The Green Tourism awards certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable. Its Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of good environmentally-friendly practice.
