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Protecting the Environment

  • Protecting the Environment
MV Hamnavoe at sea, sailing to Orkney

We are committed to protecting the environment of our ports, the seas, and the beautiful islands of Shetland and Orkney. To this end, we have taken action to help cut our environmental footprint across waste management, procurement and resourcing, energy efficiency, and passenger self-help initiatives:

Waste Management:

  • Single use plastics will not be offered on ships.
  • From February 2021 we have saved more than 140,000 plastic bottles.
  • All animal waste from the lairage is saved and delivered to farms for use as fertiliser.
  • Water flow with inserts on are down from 5 liters per minute to 2.5 liters per minute.
  • All rainwater from the lairage is harvested and used to wash the building.

Procurement, Resourcing and Partnership working:

  • Over 90% of hotel operation services (spanning food, produce, and laundry) are sourced from within a 50-mile radius of the operating port.
  • More than 77% of NorthLink personnel are based within the company’s areas of operation.
  • We donate £4 to the Mental Health Aberdeen Charity with every case of coffee we buy.
  • NorthLink Ferries donate to, and support Environmental charities, including the RSPB and the Sea Watch Foundation.
  • NorthLink Ferries have received a GOLD Green Tourism Award.
Green Tourism Gold Award

Energy Efficiency:

  • The MV Hamnavoe uses clean electrical power as it gets ‘plugged in’ overnight to The Hamnavoe Shore Power Project, the first large commercial ship shore connection in the UK. The MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland now also use Shore Power when they are docked in Aberdeen.
  • All offices use eco lighting and flood lighting.
  • Captains are sailing more efficiently to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
  • In line with demand, the MV Hamnavoe timetable is reduced in winter months to cut fuel consumption and emissions.
  • MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey had Promas Lite system installed during drydock 2025. This included a redesign of the blades reducing their size/shape, the installation of a new rudder bulb, and upgrades to the propulsion control system. The results were a significant reduction in the fuel consumed.

Passenger Self-Help Initiatives:

  • Recycling bins are provided in all ships and terminals.
  • Water dispensers are available on board all ships and in all terminals.
  • Vehicle drivers are encouraged to turn their engines off whilst waiting to board.
  • Bicycles travel for free and bike racks are available in most ports.
  • Electric car chargers are available in all ports.
  • NLF polo shirts are made from a fairtrade business, supporting farmers.
  • Whale and Dolphin Conservation Group engaged with passengers presenting a talk regarding marine life.

More information

Header image: MV Hamnavoe at sea, sailing to Orkney photo © Copyright Nick McCaffrey