5 Essential Steps for Yacht Charter Companies to Implement Sustainable Development Goals

As the EU targets net-zero emissions by 2050, businesses across all sectors face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact, and the nautical industry is no exception. With operations centred in ecologically sensitive areas, yacht charter companies play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable marine practices. To effectively navigate evolving policies and an uncertain future, business owners must implement clear and actionable environmental procedures.

At Green Sail, we understand that creating an environmental strategy can be daunting. We simplify this process by providing practical tools and resources through our Yacht Charter partnership program to ensure sustainability is achievable. To get you started, here are five essential steps to implementing environmental procedures.

1. Assess Your Current Environmental Impact

Begin by conducting a detailed review of your company's operations to understand your current environmental footprint. Identify areas of improvement such as fuel consumption, waste management and water usage.

The Green Sail Footprint system supports charter companies by offering a simple and actionable way to measure their environmental impact. By partnering with us, you gain access to a reliable framework for assessing your footprint, allowing you to make data-driven decisions from the very start of your strategy.

2. Set Clear Environmental Goals

Based on your current assessment, set specific and measurable environmental goals, such as reducing CO₂ emissions by a certain percentage, decreasing plastic waste, controlling wastewater pollution or utilising eco-friendly antifouling options. Define short-term and long-term objectives for waste reduction, energy efficiency, and marine conservation. At Green Sail, we assist our charter partners in developing their environmental policies by providing a comprehensive template.

3. Develop Procedures for Daily Operations

Establish clear procedures that address each environmental goal. For example, procedures for waste disposal should be laid out for all staff. Create detailed protocols for skippers and crew, such as how to handle recycling, when to switch to renewable energy, and how to avoid damaging marine ecosystems.

At Green Sail, we help simplify the development of operational procedures by providing charter companies with ready-to-implement guidelines and best practices through our Handbooks. Our partnership supports you in integrating sustainability into every aspect of your daily operations without overwhelming your team.

4. Train and Involve Staff

Train employees, especially skippers, crew and base managers on your new environmental procedures. Include both theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations. Regular training sessions and workshops on sustainable practices will ensure your team have the knowledge and tools they need to make environmentally responsible decisions.

Green Sail provides a range of educational resources, including online courses, and in-person workshops to train your staff on sustainability practices. Our Sustainability for Skippers and Crew Management online course, for example, empowers your team with the expertise they need to uphold environmental standards on board and at the base.

5. Monitor, Review and Improve

Establish a system that regularly monitors the effectiveness of your environmental procedures. Review progress toward goals and make improvements as needed. This ensures that procedures stay relevant and continue to reduce their environmental impact. Set up tracking systems for fuel, waste, energy, and water use, and gather feedback from staff and clients on the effectiveness of your environmental efforts.

By following these steps, a yacht charter company can successfully create and implement environmental procedures that align with their sustainability goals, reducing their overall impact. Green Sail Charter partners are already taking proactive steps toward achieving their environmental objectives, supported by our practical tools, resources, and educational programs. With the right guidance and a clear strategy, Charter companies can not only meet their environmental targets but can also lead the way in sustainable practices within the industry.