Travel Green List: 10 of the top sustainable transport companies

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Flying remains a major source of the planet’s CO2 emissions, but Finnair has shown its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases by pledging to cut its net emissions in half by the end of 2025. To reach this goal, it has been reducing the weight of its aircraft to burn less fuel and has invested in biofuels made from local waste in Finland. The company is also involved in researching synthetic fuels created from alternative industry byproducts, such as CO2 and hydrogen. And by the end of this year, it will have halved its use of single-use plastic.

More information: finnair.com

(VentureSail)

With its fleet of tall ships, yachts and expedition boats, the UK-based VentureSail embarks on trips (of no more than 20 guests) to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, including the Mediterranean and Svalbard. The ecological and community impact of these cruises is minimised by the low passenger numbers; its sails also stay up whenever possible, putting wind power at the heart of every journey. Most activities – from snorkelling to skiing – are conducted off-ship, meaning energy use onboard can be kept to a minimum. Wildlife watching is also carried out from a safe distance to ensure that animals remain undisturbed. And when it comes to stocking up on food supplies, it’s not unusual to see fishing boats pulling up alongside the ship to hand over boat-fresh snapper, or local farmers waiting in port to deliver seasonal produce.

More information: venturesailholidays.com

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Renovated kettuvallam boats – traditional vessels once used to transport grain and spices – become a home from home on gentle cruises exploring the Keralan backwaters of Vembanad, the longest lake in India (96.5km). These boats are built using coconut husk fibres known as coir, which are then spun into a coarse material by hand – a skill that still exists today largely because of the growth of houseboat tourism. Spice Coast vessels run on solar energy and vegetable oil, and the crew are seasoned local fisherfolk with generations-worth of knowledge of these waters. Skippering, cooking delicious South Indian curries from scratch and boat maintenance are all well-practised skills among the team.

More information: cghearth.com

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The first North American zero-emission passenger train launches this summer in Quebec, transporting travellers between Parc de la Chute Montmorency and the city of Baie-Saint-Paul on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Train de Charlevoix is powered by green hydrogen and will operate an agritourism tour incorporating local breweries and producers. Its schedule starts on 17 June.

More information:traindecharlevoix.com

(Anaconda Amazon Cruises)

Founded by Amazonian river captain Raúl García in 2013, Anakonda Amazon Cruises works with the Indigenous communities of the Napo River to offer culturally rich, environmentally conscious riverboat excursions. After 40 years in the area, Raúl’s close relationships with local villagers are the backbone of its cruises, which also bring valuable income to community projects. In exploring Yasuní National Park and following the river up to the Peruvian border, voyages visit several local groups, including the Quichua Indigenous community where guests can learn about Amazonian life and taste plenty of local delicacies.

More information: anakondaamazoncruises.com

(Ecoventura)

This luxury yacht cruise company offers two exploratory itineraries through the north-west and south-central areas of the Galápagos Islands, one of the world’s great natural-history destinations. Onboard, Galapagueños and Ecuadorian naturalists are at the helm, leading travellers on nature walks and snorkelling trips and making presentations. Eco Ventura also works in association with the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galápagos National Park Service to support research and conservation projects, along with empowering local people by offering scholarships in higher education.

More information: relaischateaux.com

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Swiss Air is investing in sustainable aviation fuels in the form of synthetic kerosene. Made from biogenic waste, such as used cooking oil, this man-made kerosene removes the need for fossil fuels. It’s estimated that sustainable aviation fuels emit 80% less carbon emissions over their lifecycle, but the company say high manufacturing costs and limited refineries are the biggest hindrances to more widespread use. While there is a long way to go before the use of sustainable aviation fuel takes off, this is a welcome step in the right direction.

More information: swiss.com

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This small-boat cruise line takes its role in whale conservation very seriously, and guests can, too, through onboard citizen science data collection and photography cruises. Thanks to the implementation of guidelines around ethical cetacean encounters, Hebridean Adventures is accredited by Wildlife Safe (WiSE) and is a recommended boat operator of the Sea Watch Foundation. Engines on both of its vessels – the Monadhliath and Hjalmar Bjørge – are even fitted above the waterline to minimise noise disturbance to marine life. The company also partners with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, holding an annual fundraising cruise.

More information: hebrideanadventures.co.uk

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Small but innovative measures are being taken to reduce the environmental impact of Emirates flights. Economy-class blankets, now made from 100% recycled plastic, are distributed on long-haul trips to prevent yet more landfill waste. And in Dubai, the world’s largest hydroponic farm, Bustanica, has also become the first of Emirates Flight Catering’s new vertical farms. It is estimated to produce 1 million kilograms of chemical-free leafy greens annually, and the facility requires 95% less water than conventional farming, which is a valuable saving in a region that gets very little rain.

More information: emirates.com

(Espen Mills)

The Hurtigruten Group has invested €100 million in green upgrades across its existing fleet of seven cruise ships, including transforming three vessels into hybrid-powered expedition ships. The move is claimed to have reduced the company’s carbon-dioxide emissions by around 25% and cut nitric-oxide emissions by 80%. It has also made the promise to build its first zero-emission ship by 2030. Expeditions are the highlight of Hurtigruten’s itineraries, with voyages going to otherwise hard-to-reach places, including the Antarctic Peninsula and Svalbard. The Green Stay Programme also sees money donated to the Hurtigruten Foundation when guests choose not to have their cabins cleaned, which in turn supports local communities and environmental and wildlife initiatives, such as the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the Turtle Foundation. And by partnering with small-scale suppliers and tour providers, rather than port agents, Hurtigruten also ensures that your money goes straight to local businesses.

More information: hurtigruten.com