UK ferry companies pushes green strategy including shift to biofuels

In the UK, ‘Red Goes Green’ is the name given to Red Funnel’s new long-term Environmental Strategy announced Monday. It seeks to showcase the environmental successes of recent years and highlight a wide range of new green initiatives, including measures to change consumer behavior in line with the company’s commitment to operate in an environmentally sustainable and sympathetic manner.

With a focus on improving air quality, increasing recycling rates, reducing waste & packaging and encouraging sustainable travel, many of the ideas will require testing and MV Red Falcon will be used for this purpose. To raise public awareness, the ship has been rebranded with a green funnel and logo and the main passenger thoroughfare on B Deck will shortly display information about the measures being taken and how the public can get involved.

Biofuel
From early October, the main engines and generators on Red Falcon will operate exclusively on Green-D Bio-Fuel. Red Funnel expects to see a significant reduction in the amount of Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Dioxide and soot particles in the exhaust gases which is good news for the environment. The long-term trial, one of the first in the marine sector, will help determine the impact, if any, on maintenance regimes, reliability and fuel consumption. See redfunnel.co.uk/biofuel

Discounts for electric vehicles
Red Funnel will be one of the first ferry companies in the world to offer a discount for pure electric vehicles. Initially in place for bookings between now and the end of this year, for travel up to 31 March 2019, the owners of pure electric cars/small vans can enjoy a 25% discount when pre-booking online at redfunnel.co.uk/electric