Vedettes de Paris, a family-owned business with a rich history dating back to 1976, is leading the way in sustainable cruises on the Seine. The company’s commitment to environmental protection and innovation has earned it the first-ever Green Globe certification, a testament to its dedication to responsible tourism.
Vedettes de Paris is actively modernizing its fleet to reduce emissions and improve service quality. The electrification of the PARIS Trocadéro in late 2023 marked the beginning of this ambitious initiative, and two more boats are set to become electric by spring 2024. The goal is to convert four out of five boats to electric power by 2025. The company also operates a hybrid boat, the paris étoile, which will remain unchanged for now.
In addition to electrification, Vedettes de Paris is utilizing gas to liquid fuel (GTL) in its non-electric boats, which offers significant environmental benefits. GTL reduces CO2 emissions by 5%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 6% to 13%, and fine-particle emissions by 15% to 60% compared to traditional diesel.
The company’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its fleet. Vedettes de Paris is dedicated to safeguarding the Seine’s biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness among its staff. New hires participate in the Fresque du Climat workshop, an interactive and scientifically grounded activity that educates them about climate change and its impacts.
Furthermore, Vedettes de Paris actively engages in ecosystem restoration. In partnership with the Union des Pêcheurs de Paris, the company has released 540 fish across three species into the Seine. Plans are in place to make this an annual event, and a project to install a floating vegetation raft to boost local fish populations is also underway.
The electrification of Vedettes de Paris’ fleet yields multiple benefits. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, enhances the cruising experience by reducing noise and air pollution, and improves the work environment for employees. The company estimates that the four electrified ships will lead to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of driving around the world 142 times in a combustion car.
Vedettes de Paris’ commitment to sustainability has been supported by various funding sources, including ADEME (Ecological Transition Agency), BPI (Public Investment Bank), and Voies navigables de France through its PAMI scheme, as well as revenues from the sale of energy saving certificates. The company’s efforts have garnered widespread recognition and serve as an inspiring example for other tourism operators to embrace sustainability.
