When it comes to travel, the way you move from A to B matters. At sea, your choice of vessel significantly influences the carbon footprint of your holiday, and surprisingly, charter sailing can be one of the most sustainable options available.
We’re all aware of the environmental impact of flying, but the numbers can still be eye-opening, especially when you factor in the carbon emissions from your entire vacation. For example, a round trip from London to Bangkok produces about 3,200 kg of CO₂e per person, more than many people in developing countries emit in a whole year. Even short flights, like London to Paris, can emit 150-200 kg, while the train emits only around 6 kg for the same trip. Train travel can reduce emissions by over 90% and is often more convenient as well.
Despite their popularity, large cruise ships are among the most carbon-intensive ways to holiday. On average, a single passenger emits 250 to 300 kg CO₂e per day, significantly more than the 50-100 kg CO₂e per day typical of a hotel-based holiday (Travel and Climate, n.d.). With some vessels carrying more than 5,000 passengers, total emissions can exceed 10,000 tonnes of CO₂e in just one week (Friends of the Earth, 2024). This works out to approximately 2,100 Kg CO₂e per week, per person.
What the Data Tells Us
Green Sail has been conducting research for several years through its Green Sail Footprint system, and the data presented below highlights some of the most important insights gathered from the yacht charter industry.
Data collected from charter boats operating in Dalmatia, Croatia, for the past 3 years, reveals notable differences in emissions depending on vessel type and propulsion method. Here’s how different charter vessels compare:
| Vessel Type | CO₂e per Vessel / Week | CO₂e per Person / Week | Key Characteristics |
| Sailboat | 504 kg | 68 kg | Wind-powered with minimal auxiliary engine use. Low emissions. |
| Catamaran | 1,540 kg | 391 kg | Dual engines, larger size, and more fuel use. Still lower impact than cruises/land travel. |
| Motorboat | 4,307 kg | 810 kg | High-speed engines, maximum fuel burn. Most emissions-heavy of all vessel types. |
Why This Matters
The numbers make one thing clear: vessel choice matters a lot. While motorboats may offer speed and luxury, they come with a steep environmental cost. In contrast, sailing yachts offer a much smaller footprint while still providing a rich, immersive travel experience.
What’s even more promising is the growing commitment within the yacht charter industry to measure and reduce environmental impact. Green Sail, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to sustainable nautical tourism, is leading this shift.
Green Sail’s Role in Greener Seas
Through the Green Sail Footprint program, charter companies can measure emissions from fuel, electricity, water usage, food provisioning, and even laundry. This comprehensive per-vessel assessment empowers them to take meaningful steps toward sustainability.
- More than 70 yacht charter companies have already partnered with Green Sail, and every year, more and more of them are measuring emissions and pollution coming from their boats.
- Over 2,000 vessels are now equipped with sustainability materials, education tools, and tracking systems onboard.
- Charter operators are increasingly incorporating solar panels, watermakers, and eco-provisioning into their offerings.
This transformation is not only good for the environment, it also makes business sense. Travellers are becoming more eco-conscious, and verified sustainability efforts are a growing factor in booking decisions.
By analysing emissions across specific categories such as fuel consumption, water usage, and energy use, yacht operators gain a clear picture of which aspects of their operations have the highest environmental and financial impact. This granular insight allows them to pinpoint inefficiencies, streamline resource use, and make more informed decisions about where to implement sustainable upgrades.
For example, identifying high fuel consumption may justify investment in electric or hybrid engines, while excessive water use could highlight the need for onboard watermakers. Similarly, energy audits may lead to the adoption of solar panels or battery storage systems. Ultimately, this targeted approach not only reduces operational costs but also accelerates the transition to cleaner, more sustainable maritime tourism.
What You Can Do as a Traveller
When booking your next nautical holiday:
- Ask your charter company if they measure their emissions.
- Choose sailing yachts or eco-upgraded catamarans when possible.
- Support operators partnered with Green Sail or other verified sustainability initiatives.
By making informed choices, you’re not just sailing, you’re part of a movement toward a cleaner, more responsible maritime industry.
Let’s stop estimating. Let’s start understanding.