PHOTO COURTESY OF MACKINAC ISLAND FERRY COMPANY
After an announcement earlier this year that it will convert one of its passenger ferries from diesel to electric, the Mackinac Island Ferry Company has furthered its sustainability efforts through joining Green Marine, an environmental certification program that encourages maritime enterprises to take action in protecting the environment.
Made possible through a state grant from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the conversion of its passenger ferry to electric power joins a host of other efforts the company is making towards promoting sustainability and helping preserve the natural beauty of the Great Lakes and their shoreline. In addition to utilizing alternative energy sources and employing multiple electric vehicles for use at the dock, the company has used creative recycling efforts to reduce wastewater levels and is training staff on proper procedures and waste management hierarchy.
“More and more ferry operators are seeking Green Marine environmental certification as a scalable, easy-to-communicate, tangible way to benchmark, improve, and showcase their sustainability commitment,” says David Bolduc, Green Marine president. “We’re happy to welcome Mackinac Island Ferry Company among this growing membership as the first Michigan ferry operator to join our program.”
To learn more, visit mackinacferry.com.
