RIVER CRUISING

Joined forces with the TreadRight Foundation and Uniworld to review the environmental impact of their river cruising operations

PROJECT SCOPE

> Audit water, energy and waste management on a selection of river cruising boats on the Nile, the Danube, the Seine and the Rhine

> Identify performance improvement opportunities to achieve best practice

Identifying Impacts

Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Key Project Output

RIVER CRUISING GUIDELINES

Best Practice Guidelines

> Ten principles for sustainable river cruising

> Operational management

> Working with stakeholders

> Checklists and further information

Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

ESTABLISH GUIDING PRINCIPLES

> Environmental policy> Code of Conduct & behavioural standards> Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

MONITORING SYSTEMS

> Environmental monitoring system incorporated into the onboard ship management software in 2013

> Baseline data collected

STAFF TRAINING

> Senior management> Captains> All crew and tour staff

Best Practice Initiatives

Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

FLEET IMPROVEMENTS

> Technical recommendations incorporated into new build specifications> Refitting of older vessels where viable

ITINERARY PLANNING

> Review distance between ports and fuel efficient cruising speeds

INFLUENCING STAKEHOLDERS

> Meetings with port authorities to lobby for better waste collection/recycling facilities

CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS

> Port talks and welcome meetings> Signage, leaflets and stickers in guest rooms

Best Practice Initiatives

DATA COLLECTION

> Establishing robust monitoring systems and streamlining data input has taken significant time and resources

> Obtaining accurate and reliable data has required training and specific skills

Understanding the Challenges

REPORTING RESULTS

> Reporting results and performance improvements has not been possible yet

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