By Isle of Wight Observer
Wightlink has launched its new Green Agenda to stakeholders at a meeting at its Fishbourne terminal. Chief Executive Keith Greenfield outlined the ferry company’s strategy to look after the Solent and its coastline, then hosted a round-trip to Portsmouth for guests on board Wightlink’s £30million hybrid energy flagship, Victoria of Wight.
He was supported by Wightlink’s Environmental Officer Nicola Craig and Head of Retail Simon Lewis who explained how green initiatives are being introduced across the routes.
They include increasing recycling, replacing plastic cutlery with sustainable wooden alternatives, reducing food miles by buying from Island suppliers, cutting emissions and providing electric vehicle charging points at ports.
Mt Greenfield said: “We care about the environment and will do our best to protect the sea, land and air that surround us. We will always consider environmental factors as we operate our ships and ports and when we make business decisions. We will continually look for new ways to reduce our environmental footprint.”
Details were given of three key aims. Wightlink aims to recycle 50% of waste and cut ship and vehicle emissions by five per cent by the end of 2020 and rubbish will be removed daily from quays and shores in the company’s ports.
A dedicated webpage on Wightlink’s website covers progress on all the initiatives and will be regularly updated at wightlink.co.uk/green
