Our Green Future
Hovertravel recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods. We will encourage customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.
Our Commitment is that Hovertravel will:
- Maintain compliance, as a minimum, with all applicable environmental legislation.
- Maintain an awareness of the impact our operation has on the environment; particularly those areas of operation which are environmentally protected.
- Measure and take action to reduce the carbon footprint of our business activities.
- Monitor progress and review environmental performance against set targets and objectives on a regular basis.
- Reduce the consumption of resources and improve the efficient and sustainable use of those resources.
- Manage waste generated from our business operations incorporating reduction, re-use and recycling where possible.
- Ensure pollution prevention in all aspects of our operation.
- Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
Green Marine Europe Certification
We are proud to have retained the Green Marine Europe certification for the second consecutive year, building on our groundbreaking achievement as the first UK domestic ferry company to receive this accolade in 2023 for our efforts in 2022.
This certification reflects our continued dedication to reducing our environmental impact and enhancing sustainability through our HoverGreen initiative.
Achievements and progress
- Achieved our ISO 14001 accreditation.
- Established an ongoing rubber recycling programme for our used skirt material.
- Awarded Gold standard for Visit Isle of Wight and Visit Portsmouth Green Tourism Awards.
- Joined the global Refill network to offer free water refills at both our terminals.
- Hovertravel Retains Green Marine Europe Certification for Second Year.
- Working with Griffon Hoverwork to research and design alternative fuel options.
- Waste management program continues to achieve zero land fill.
Hovertravel Recycling Spotlight
Twyford Recycling
Since 2024, Hovertravel has partnered with Twyford Recycling to ensure retired hovercraft skirts are sustainably processed.
Aine Naylor - Offkuttt
Retired hovercraft skirt are transformed into practical souvenirs including and bags, earrings and purses.
Isle of Wight Scouts
The Isle of Wight Explorer Scouts have been putting retired hovercraft skirt material to great use - crafting fire beaters.
The Donkey Sanctuary
The excess sand from Ryde Hoverport landing pad has found a second life at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary to create a Sandpark enrichment area.
The Stonelands Project
Seaweed cleared from Ryde Hoverport is donated to local groups like The Stonelands Project, where it helps enrich soil, grow produce and support young people.
Coastal Defence Scheme
Shingle that naturally builds up at Southsea Hoverport - which can affect hovercraft operations - is collected, removed, and reused to strengthen sea defences.
Useful Links
In the media
- Hovertravel first to earn Green Marine Accreditation
- World Refill Day at Hovertravel
- Twyford Recycling teams up with Hovertravel for green initiative
- Hovertravel secures gold standard for green tourism
- Hovertravel launches re-cycled skirt souvenirs
- Hovercraft skirt rubber repurposed into designer accessories
- Mrs M Brings Creativity to Hovertravel
- Hovertravel Retains Green Marine Europe Certification for Second Year
- Isle of Wight Explorer Scouts Craft Fire Beaters from Hover Green Rubber
- Hovertravel adds late-night charters for Pompey fans on the Island