Everything You Need to Know about Sustainable Ferry Travel

When planning a trip today, it’s no longer just about how much time you can take off work or whether your hotel has a pool. More and more travellers are considering how their holidays affect the planet. And rightly so! After all, we only have one Earth, and it’s up to us to take care of it.

From choosing destinations closer to home to opting for lower-emission transport, sustainability is becoming central to the travel conversation. And that’s where ferries shine. Here's everything you need to know about embracing sustainable travel, starting with your journey.

What Is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel is about making choices that minimize your environmental footprint while supporting local communities. It involves: 

• Lower carbon emissions 
• Reduced waste and resource use 
• Respect for local cultures and traditions 
• Supporting local businesses and economies 

It’s a holistic approach that seeks to preserve the places we love to visit, ensuring they remain vibrant for future generations.

How to Travel More Sustainably

Ready to explore responsibly? Here are some impactful ways to reduce your environmental impact while still having a great time:

Choose Low-Emission Transport

One of the biggest factors in your carbon footprint is how you get to your destination. Ferries, for example, typically produce significantly fewer CO₂ emissions per passenger compared to flying. Once you’ve arrived, opt for eco-friendly ways to get around like walking, cycling, or using local public transport as opposed to hiring a car.

Stay in Eco-Conscious Accommodation

Search for hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs that prioritize sustainability. This could mean using renewable energy, practicing water and waste reduction, employing local staff, and serving locally-sourced food. Many eco-certified accommodations now showcase their green credentials, making it easier than ever to make an informed decision.

Pack Light

Travelling with less luggage doesn’t just make things easier for you, but it also reduces fuel consumption during transport. Lighter loads mean less fuel is burned, whether you’re on a ferry, train, or bus. So keep it simple: pack only the essential items.

Support Ethical Tourism

If you’re booking excursions or tours, take the time to research the providers. Choose those that operate responsibly by respecting local cultures, minimizing environmental impact, and giving back to the communities they work with. Responsible tourism enriches your experience and ensures your trip has a positive impact.

Why Are Ferries More Sustainable Than Flying?

Choosing to travel by ferry instead of flying can considerably lower the carbon footprint of your journey. Ferries emit remarkably less CO₂ per passenger compared to airplanes, particularly when it comes to short-haul flights, which are among the most carbon-intensive forms of transport.

According to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), a single foot passenger travelling by ferry generates just 19 grams of CO₂e per kilometre, compared to 186 grams for a short-haul flight passenger. That’s a 90% reduction in carbon emissions, a vast difference for the environmentally conscious traveller. But why is this?

• Higher Passenger Capacity: Ferries can transport a large number of passengers at once, which helps distribute emissions more efficiently. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Ferries are generally more fuel-efficient per kilometre per person than planes. 
• Promotion of ‘Slow Travel’: Ferry travel supports the slow travel movement—focusing on more meaningful journeys and longer stays, promoting deeper connections with local destinations and a reduced need for frequent, short trips. 

For even greener travel, it's recommended to choose conventional ferries over high-speed vessels. Slower ferries consume less fuel per kilometre and thus produce fewer emissions. 

The verdict? If you want to see the world while reducing your environmental impact, go by ferry.

What Are Ferry Companies Doing to Be More Sustainable?

As environmental concerns become central to the future of travel, ferry operators across the globe are making major strides toward more sustainable operations. Here’s how they’re leading the charge:

Greener Fuels

Many ferry companies are shifting to low-emission fuel alternatives, such as: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Emits significantly less CO₂ compared to traditional marine fuels. Ultra-Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (ULSFO): Reduces sulfur oxide emissions, which contribute to acid rain and air pollution. Biofuels: Derived from renewable sources, biofuels help reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Hybrid and Electric Technologies

In a push for cleaner energy, ferry operators are also investing in: 

• Hybrid-electric engines: These systems combine traditional fuel with electric power, significantly lowering emissions. 
• Fully electric ferries: Particularly effective for shorter routes, electric ferries can operate with zero direct emissions.

Eco-Innovations Onboard

Some ferry lines are enhancing sustainability through additional measures like: 

• Installing energy-efficient lighting and ventilation systems 
• Optimising hull design to reduce drag and fuel consumption 
• Reducing single-use plastics and enhancing onboard recycling programs 

Sustainable ferry travel is not only possible—it’s already happening. With greener technologies, smarter fuel choices, and a growing commitment to environmental responsibility, ferry companies are helping shape a cleaner future for travel. Next time you plan a trip, consider the ferry—not just for the journey, but for the planet too.

Meet the Ferry Operators Leading the Way in Sustainability

The environmental impact of tourism is a growing concern, and ferry companies across Europe and beyond are stepping up. From cutting emissions to eliminating plastics, many operators are investing in meaningful changes to make ferry travel better for the planet. Here’s how some of the most forward-thinking ferry companies are championing sustainability:

Wasaline

Pioneers of eco-conscious travel, Wasaline is making waves with their sustainable practices: 

• Operating hybrid vessels for lower emissions 
• Optimising energy use onboard to reduce waste 
• Fitting ship interiors with recycled materials 
• Partnering with local suppliers to support nearby economies 
• Running a comprehensive waste management system

Viking Line

Committed to shrinking their carbon footprint, Viking Line is: 

• Actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions 
• Letting customers offset their journey by purchasing biogas, cutting travel emissions by up to 90% 
• Tackling food waste reduction across their fleet 
• Boosting digital services to reduce paper waste 
• Supporting environmental organisations and funding sustainability research

Brittany Ferries

As one of the first to earn the Green Marine Europe eco-label, Brittany Ferries stands out by: 

• Operating hybrid ships 
• Using smoke filters that reduce sulphur and particle emissions by up to 97% 
• Implementing eco-steering software to enhance fuel efficiency

Stena Line

Sustainability runs deep at Stena Line, thanks to initiatives like: 

• Cutting emissions on key continental freight routes 
• Using LED lighting across their vessels 
• Leveraging AI technology to optimise engine performance and cut fuel usage 
• Taking action to reduce onboard food waste

P&O Ferries

Their new generation of ‘super ferries’ come packed with green innovation: 

• A double-ended design with two bridges for improved fuel efficiency 
• A smart power management system to optimise energy use 
• A heat recovery system that reuses waste energy Future-ready generator systems that can be swapped for batteries

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries is focused on resource conservation with practices such as: 

• Minimising use of non-renewable fossil fuels 
• Recycling oil and reducing delivery emissions through bulk purchasing 
• Raising customer awareness about marine environmental protection

Naviera Armas

A true leader in plastic-free travel, Naviera Armas is: 

• The first plastic-free shipping company 
• Cutting down on paper use and switching to eco-friendly products 
• Educating staff and passengers about sustainability 
• Actively involved in environmental education and awareness projects

Want to Know Your Impact?

Planning your next adventure? Take a moment to understand how your travel choices affect the environment. Use our carbon footprint calculator to see how ferry travel compares to other modes of transport and learn how small changes can make a big difference. 

Travel smart. Travel sustainably. Travel by ferry.