RIVER CRUISING
Identifying Impacts
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
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Key Project Output
Best Practice Guidelines
RIVER CRUISING GUIDELINES
> Ten principles for
sustainable river cruising
> Operational management
> Working with stakeholders
> Checklists and further
information
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Practice Initiatives
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
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Practice Initiatives
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
Understanding the Challenges
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
REPORTING RESULTS
> Reporting results and
performance improvements has
not been possible yet
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