102 Photo: credit The industry is also trying to protect maritime biodiversity, including working with marine conservation charities such as ORCA, MARINElife and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. “Thriving seagrass beds are important habitat for marine life with up to 80,000 animals living in a single hectare of seagrass. They help prevent erosion and store 10 per cent of the ocean’s carbon,” says Penlington. “Wightlink teamed up with scientists and students from the University of Portsmouth in an environmental project to examine – and ultimately encourage – the growth of seagrass in the Solent off Ryde. The project gathers information about the Solent beds, which in turn paves the way for the planting of more seagrass.” In addition, says Penlington, operators have undertaken projects focused on food waste minimisation, increased recycling and segregation of garbage, sustainable water solutions, and reviewing and reducing single-use plastics to reduce passenger carbon impact and promote a more environmentally friendly travel experience for their customers. “The drive towards zero emissions is one of the most important challenges facing the industry, but one which also presents an opportunity,” says Penlington. “At a time when customers are looking for alternatives to flying, the ferry industry is already able to offer routes in the British Isles and to Western Europe with more environmentally friendly vessels. When combined with the opportunity to learn more about, and witness first-hand the magnificent biodiversity that British waters have to offer, ferries are in a strong position to gain new customers.” “ The drive towards zero emissions is one of the most important challenges facing the industry, but one which also presents an opportunity” Brittany Ferries’ LNG-powered Santoña produces virtually no soot, sulphur or nitrogen dioxide emissions, and 20 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions than diesel-powered ferries of the same size
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