Wightlink is aiming to reduce its environmental footprint by going green.

The ferry operator has launched a Green Manifesto, pledging to make its operations as environmentally friendly as possible.

It follows the launch of the company’s new environmentally friendly hybrid energy flagship Victoria of Wight — the culmination of its £45 million investment in the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route.

Among the first initiatives is the installation of chargers for electric cars, starting at the Fishbourne terminal this summer.

Wightlink’s stores van and some other company vehicles are being replaced with electrically or hybrid powered models to cut emissions.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will be installed, to reduce traffic queues and emissions.

The company is reducing the use of plastics wherever possible, linking with the IW Council’s plastic-free Island campaign. For example, disposable plastic cutlery is being replaced by renewable wooden alternatives.

Reusable cups will be welcome at all Wightlink outlets with discounts of 25p off the usual price for customers who bring their own cups or mugs.

Wightlink already sends zero waste to landfill and is increasing its recycling.

More environmental initiatives are planned and will be announced later in the year.

Wightlink chief executive Keith Greenfield said: "Like many Islanders, I was distressed to see the damaging effect of plastics and other pollution on marine life on Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II series.

"As a ferry company we have a special responsibility to the marine environment. We have embarked on a journey, with the IW Council and other partners, to reduce our environmental footprint and want to do all we can to protect the beautiful Isle of Wight and Solent."