MNN - Mother Nature Network

Canadian transportation company BC Ferries provides an essential link from the mainland to the nation's many islands, carrying passengers and vehicles all over the province of British Columbia in 36 vessels with a total capacity of more than 27,000. So how does one of the largest ferry companies in the world approach sustainability?

 

In this video, Mike Corrigan, president and CEO of BC Ferries, explains the company's three-point plan of action, including fuel efficiency, sewage treatment and disposal, and use of greener products.

 

BC Ferries has replaced its gas-powered vehicles at their terminals with electric ones, and chooses hull coatings and propeller designs for their vessels that reduce fuel consumption. These small changes have led to a reduction of 6 million liters of fuel per year, even as the company added bigger ships and more capacity to its system. Additionally, the vessels now use 'shore power' while docked, meaning they plug into a renewable hydro-power system at night instead of running on diesel fuel.

 

A new $62.5-million program takes the effluent that would normally be discharged into the sea and disposes it at facilities where certified professionals ensure that it's properly processed, reducing contaminants in the marine environment.

 

BC Ferries has also taken a look at its supply chain to improve environmental performance. The company identified eco-friendly products from Zep that has helped them reach their sustainability goals, choosing less-harmful products that are healthier for staff and the environment.

 

Learn more at BCFerries.com.