12 Carbon-Free Journeys That Will Define the Future of Sustainable Tourism

4. Electric and Hybrid Ferries for Island and Coastal Travel

Ferries are a logical candidate for electrification on short sea routes, and hybrid systems are already changing how island and coastal travel works. Greek ferry operators have installed scrubbers to cut sulfur oxides in line with IMO 2020 rules and are trialing hybrid and LNG systems to lower emissions. For shorter crossings, fully electric ferries remove combustion emissions entirely while offering quiet, comfortable onboard experiences. Ferry travel can also deliver a lower carbon impact per passenger compared with the equivalent short-haul flight, especially when vessels use cleaner fuels or shore power. For travelers planning island hopping or coastal itineraries, ferries can be an appealing low-impact option that also keeps traveler spending inside local economies. Check operators’ sustainability sections for fuel type, shore-power use, and any third-party verification of emissions, and consider ferry timetables as a practical alternative to short flights.