Industry
Sustainable Boating in Stockholm's Archipelago – Our Commitment and Your Role
The Baltic Sea is one of the world's most vulnerable marine environments. How we're protecting it while delivering unforgettable charter experiences, and how you can help.
By Sofia Nilsson · · 11 min read
The Stockholm archipelago is our office, our playground, and our responsibility. As a charter company operating in one of the world's most sensitive marine environments, sustainability isn't a marketing trend — it's survival. Here's how we approach it, and how our guests contribute.
Understanding the Baltic Sea Challenge
The Baltic Sea is unique — and uniquely vulnerable:
Why the Baltic Is Special
- Brackish water: A rare mix of fresh and salt water, supporting species found nowhere else
- Limited water exchange: It takes 25-30 years for the Baltic to completely exchange its water with the North Sea
- Heavy surrounding population: 85 million people live in the Baltic drainage basin
- Critical habitat: Home to Baltic ringed seals, harbour porpoises, and thousands of bird species
The Threats
- Eutrophication: Excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) cause algal blooms
- Microplastics: Enter through rivers, wastewater, and maritime activity
- Chemical pollution: Historical and ongoing industrial contamination
- Climate change: Warming waters stress cold-adapted species
- Maritime traffic: Oil spills, underwater noise, wake damage to shorelines
Our Sustainability Practices
Fleet Operations
Fuel and Emissions
- Modern fleet with fuel-efficient engines
- Route optimisation to minimise fuel consumption
- Shore power connections in harbour (no running generators)
- Speed limits in sensitive areas to reduce wake and fuel use
- Ongoing investment in hybrid and electric propulsion technology
Waste Management
- Zero discharge policy — nothing goes in the water
- Comprehensive onboard recycling (glass, plastic, metal, organic)
- Biodegradable cleaning products exclusively
- No single-use plastics aboard (reusable cups, plates, utensils)
- Holding tanks for all sewage — pumped at designated facilities
Anti-fouling and Maintenance
- Non-toxic anti-fouling coatings on hulls
- Regular hull cleaning to maintain efficiency (clean hull = less fuel)
- Environmentally certified maintenance products
- Proper disposal of all maintenance waste
Catering and Supplies
Food Sourcing
- Local suppliers prioritised (reduced transport emissions)
- Seasonal menus — what grows now, near here
- Sustainable seafood only — MSC certified or equivalent
- Organic options where available
- Minimal food waste through careful portion planning
Packaging
- No single-use plastic bottles — filtered water systems
- Reusable containers for food storage
- Compostable packaging where disposables are necessary
- Digital menus and itineraries (no printed materials)
Supporting the Archipelago Community
We believe a healthy charter industry supports the communities that make the archipelago liveable:
- Purchasing from island shops and businesses
- Recommending local restaurants and attractions
- Supporting seasonal employment on the islands
- Contributing to harbour maintenance funds
- Participating in annual archipelago clean-up events
What Our Guests Can Do
Before Your Charter
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen — oxybenzone and octinoxate harm marine life
- Pack reusable water bottles — we provide fresh water refills
- Leave unnecessary packaging at your hotel
During Your Charter
- Don't throw anything overboard — not even food scraps in harbour
- Respect wildlife distances — don't approach seals, nesting birds, or other animals
- Stay on marked paths on nature reserve islands
- Use designated swimming areas to avoid disturbing seagrass beds
- Minimise noise — especially near bird colonies and in quiet bays
On Island Visits
- Follow Allemansrätten responsibly — access comes with responsibility
- Take all rubbish with you — even biodegradable items (orange peels take 2 years to decompose)
- Don't pick protected plants — check signage in nature reserves
- Use designated fire pits — if lighting is permitted at all
- Leave no trace — the next visitor should see no sign you were there
Our Environmental Goals
2026 Targets
- 30% reduction in fleet fuel consumption (vs. 2023 baseline)
- 100% elimination of single-use plastics
- All catering partners sustainability-certified
- Carbon offset program for all charters
2028 Vision
- First fully electric charter vessel in our fleet
- Zero-waste catering operations
- Real-time environmental impact reporting for guests
- Expansion of marine monitoring partnerships
Long-term
- 100% electric or hybrid fleet by 2035
- Net-positive environmental impact through restoration projects
- Industry leadership in Baltic sustainable maritime tourism
The Bigger Picture
Every yacht charter, boat tour, and sunset cruise we operate is an opportunity to connect people with nature. When guests experience the archipelago's beauty firsthand, they become advocates for its protection.
This "experience-to-advocacy" pipeline is perhaps our most important contribution. A guest who's swum in crystal-clear water, watched an eagle dive from a cliff, and eaten dinner under the midnight sun becomes someone who cares — deeply — about preserving these waters.
Certifications and Partnerships
- Blue Flag harbour partnerships
- Clean Baltic Sea shipping commitment
- Swedish Environmental Protection Agency compliance
- Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) guidelines
- Local nature reserve partnership programs
How to Learn More
We're transparent about our practices and always happy to discuss sustainability with our guests. During your charter, ask your captain about:
- What they see changing in the archipelago
- Marine wildlife you might spot
- The history of environmental protection in Swedish waters
- How traditional practices (fishing, farming) coexist with nature
The archipelago has survived for millennia. With thoughtful stewardship, it will thrive for millennia more. Every time we take a guest out on these waters, we're not just showing them beauty — we're building a coalition of people who will fight to keep it beautiful.
Join us on the water, and join us in protecting it. Contact us to book your sustainable Stockholm charter.