A HAMPSHIRE ferry operator has reached the final of the 2020 Maritime UK Awards for its contribution to the growth of green energy.

Wightlink, which brought England’s first hybrid energy ferry into service in 2018, has been recognised for its achievements in sustainable energy by the umbrella body for the country’s maritime sector.

The company is a finalist in the clean maritime operator category of the awards, which will be presented on November 12.

Its new flagship, Victoria of Wight, which operates between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, uses a combination of powerful batteries and conventional engines, resulting in it using 17% less fuel than similar vessels.

Wightlink's chief executive, Keith Greenfield, said: “The arrival of Victoria of Wight heralded Wightlink’s green agenda.

“In our aim to become the country’s leading sustainable operator, our initiatives include installing Electric Vehicle charging points to help reduce emissions, promoting recycling throughout the business, supporting local companies by buying from them whenever possible and inspiring our customers about environmental issues, through educational partnerships.”

Maritime Minister, Robert Courts added: “The 2020 Maritime UK Awards will be an important opportunity for the maritime sector to come together to celebrate its achievements, as well as its significant contribution to the UK’s Covid-19 response.

"I am delighted that this year’s event includes the DfT’s Clean Maritime Awards, highlighting how our world-leading sector is helping achieve our net-zero and emissions reduction targets.”

The maritime sector is one of the UK’s biggest industries, adding £46.1bn to the economy every year, and supporting more than a million jobs.