Environmental Impact Statement | Irish Ferries & ICG

Going Green

Environmental Initiatives

Irish Ferries is a critical transport and tourism provider, and our services play an important role in the wider economies of the countries in which we operate. Despite marine transportation being one of the most carbon-efficient modes of transport, we recognise the need to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment. Irish Ferries ambition is to make its operations more environmentally friendly and reduce harmful air emissions, while continuing to introduce more sustainable practices and initiatives.

Latest Environmental Initiatives

Irish Ferries recognises that all forms of transport, including ships, have an unavoidable impact on the environment. We are committed to reducing negative impacts through:

Consistent compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships (MARPOL 73/78).
Minimising the consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels.
Using an oil recovery system to collect all waste oil from our ships. This oil is then recycled.
Bulk purchasing to reduce the number of deliveries and packaging, and segregation of all waste cardboard packaging for recycling.
Minimising wave generation, thus minimising disturbance of coastal habitats.
Painting the hulls of all our ferries with tin-free non-toxic paints to avoid the release of harmful agents into the sea.
Promoting customer awareness of the marine environment.
Recycling paper at our Head Office in Dublin.
Reducing the sulphur content in marine fuels used on all of our vessels in compliance with the requirements of European Directive 2005/33/EC.
Leading in key projects such as the Green Corridor initiative between Dublin and Holyhead Ports and the international OCEAN project.

Dublin Swift moves to HVO

Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift fast-craft has transitioned to using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a low-carbon biofuel produced using hydrogen from waste plant fats and vegetable oils. The use of HVO as a diesel alternative can contribute to up to 90% reductions in carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel. This transition forms part of Irish Ferries' broader strategy to adopt cleaner energy solutions and reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

Ulysses Hull Paint

All our vessels use specialised, TBT-free, MARPOL-compliant, non-toxic paints to reduce the release of pollutants into the ocean. Furthermore, during its most recent dry-dock maintenance, the ULYSSES hull was painted with a specialised silicone low-friction coating. This advanced coating reduces hull resistance, allowing the vessel to require less propulsion power and, in turn, lowering fuel consumption — just one of many steps Irish Ferries are taking to reduce emissions. This initiative builds upon earlier energy efficiency investments across the fleet, including propeller reblading, propeller boss cap fins (to enhance propulsive efficiency), and turbocharger upgrades aimed at improving main engine performance and fuel economy.

Emission Trading Scheme

Irish Ferries has introduced an environmental charge on passenger car and coach bookings to support compliance with evolving maritime environmental regulations, notably the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 sulphur directive and the European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The IMO directive mandates a significant reduction in the sulphur content of marine fuels, aiming to decrease harmful air emissions. Since January 2024, the EU ETS has been extended to include maritime transport, requiring ferry operators to purchase allowances for CO₂ emissions associated with voyages between EU ports. These regulatory changes have increased operational costs, and the environmental charge contributes to covering these expenses.

Green Corridor Initiative

Irish Ferries are participating in a Green Corridor initiative, which is aiming to explore the feasibility of a green shipping corridor between Dublin Port and the Port of Holyhead. A green shipping corridor is a route between two or more ports upon which a zero-emission vessel operates. Reducing emissions along green corridors helps accelerate global maritime decarbonisation. This initiative is led by ferry operators, Irish Ferries and Stena Line, and supported by Ricardo environmental consultancy in partnership with key stakeholders. The initiative is supported by funding from the International Green Corridor Fund from the governments of Ireland and United Kingdom.

Ocean Project

Irish Ferries are a founding partner of the OCEAN Project, an international initiative aimed at assessing the causes and consequences of navigational accidents, including incidents involving marine mammals and floating objects. The OCEAN Project is a pioneering effort that delves into, enhances, tests, and advances navigation systems and training methods. By equipping seafarers with a deeper understanding of their surroundings and decision-making tools, the project seeks to empower them to make informed choices. In addition to improving navigation, the project also envisions the creation of a European navigational hazard data infrastructure.

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

Irish Ferries is proud to partner with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group to aid in their vital conservation work. We enable the group’s volunteer to conduct onboard activities, including marine observation exercises, which help monitor and protect whale and dolphin populations along our coastlines, contributing to the long-term preservation of marine biodiversity.

Sustainable Crew Uniforms

For several years, we have equipped our crew with uniforms made from 95% recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, preventing plastic waste from reaching oceans and landfills. Each year, the purchase of these garments means we recycle the equivalent of 60,000 plastic bottles. This long-standing programme demonstrates our dedication to integrating environmental responsibility into our procurement practices.

Going Green