Brittany Ferries highlighting its environmental credentials by taking on its first ‘eco-responsibility’ manager.
Claire Artagnan spent six years working on the development of offshore wind farms and on smart building projects prior to joining the ferry firm.
Her appointment aims to centralise the company’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
The appointment is seen as reinforcing a commitment to sustainable development across all aspects of ferry operations, from building new ships to reducing single use plastics on board.
Three new liquefied natural gas-powered ships will be delivered to the line within the next four years at a cost of more than €500 million.
This will deliver an estimated CO2 reduction per passenger on long haul routes by 46%. Better air quality in ports will also follow, with a cut in sulphur, nitrogen dioxide and particulate emissions.
The company’s buyers are in the process of sourcing bamboo cutlery to replace the limited remaining plastic cutlery used on board.
Eco-friendly shampoo/soap distributors have been installed in en-suite showers, while studies are taking place to replace soap packaging on sinks with biodegradable alternatives.
Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu said: “From the outset, Brittany Ferries has had a profound respect for the environment.
“We were founded by the farming community in Brittany and protecting and nurturing the environments in which we operate is part of our DNA.
“However, Claire’s key role will be to ensure positive action is co-ordinated across all parts of business, from the delivery of new ships to tenders for every new contract.”