Set sail on a greener future

The Highland Council declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019.

Last week came news of an agreement between the council and a leading carbon reduction technology business which was reported as possibly paving the way for the Highlands to become home to a network of green hydrogen hubs.

Given all this and the fact Europe’s ferry industry is powering its way towards an emissions-free future with electric and hydrogen-powered boats, it is understandable there is mounting pressure on Highland Council to opt for battery-powered vessels for the Corran Ferry service replacement boats.

Lochaber councillor Andrew Baxter rightly says whatever method of propulsion is finally chosen, reliability and being fit for purpose have to be priorities. But in a world first, in just a few months, passengers in the Norwegian port of Stavanger will begin sailing on a revolutionary ferry that does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions. It will be the planet’s first highspeed vessel to run purely on electric power. The green transport revolution is happening now. Highland Council has an opportunity to help lead the way in Europe with its choice of new vessels for the Corran Ferry.