62 Increasingly, designers are taking the lead when it comes to making sustainable decisions regarding the ships they work on. In the most successful projects, there is good communication with cruise and ferry owners/operators, interior designers, outfitters and shipyards, with all stakeholders understanding the need for good choices that prioritise a greener approach to design. Ships and fleets of all sizes can benefit from clear policies regarding design choices. Royal Caribbean Group says: “We design to build the most efficient ships possible. We look 30 years into the future but also at how we can improve our existing fleet of ships.” At the other end of the size spectrum, small ship operator Aqua Expeditions says it cares about “setting a standard in responsible travel in the destinations in which we operate. We do so from the ground up, beginning with the design, furnishing and function of our vessels.” Procurement Well-established and transparent procurement policies and practices are essential to ensure that companies meet the standards they set for themselves. MSC Cruises says: “Managing environmental, social and ethical issues in our supply chain is critical, and we take a robust approach to this across all areas of procurement. We choose suppliers who share our high ethical standards and concern for the welfare of workers, for the environment and for local communities. We work in partnership with our suppliers to raise environmental standards. All employees involved in any purchasing, sourcing and contracting activity must commit themselves to raising awareness among our suppliers on how to reduce any environmental impacts linked to their production chain, operation and final products. While the benefits of local sourcing are clear where fresh food is concerned, there are also benefits for non-food items, as it reduces the distance that items must travel, lowering carbon emissions.” CURRENT REPORTED ACT I V I T Y Cruise interior design choices “ Managing environmental, social and ethical issues in our supply chain is critical, and we take a robust approach to this across all areas of procurement” MSC Cruises
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=