Our commitments
Our commitments
At Orient Express Sailing Yachts, the sea is both our horizon and our responsibility.
Our approach to sustainability is guided by a clear ambition: to preserve the emotion of travel while paying closer attention to its impact. From wind propulsion and reduced sailing speeds to energy efficiency, biodiversity awareness and more thoughtful onboard operations, each choice is intended to lower energy demand and support a more conscious way of travelling.
This vision reflects a renewed idea of luxury - shaped by innovation, responsibility and care. Wind propulsion is central to that evolution, alongside a wider set of decarbonisation levers including operational excellence, shore power and the principles of avoid and reduce.
Grounded in precision, transparency and continuous progress, our commitment is to minimise environmental impact while continuing to offer an exceptional sailing experience.
Biodiversity
Our initiatives
Sailing through some of the world’s most remarkable marine ecosystems comes with a particular responsibility. At Orient Express Sailing Yachts, marine biodiversity is taken into account both in the yacht’s design and in the way each voyage is operated.
Care is given to sensitive marine environments throughout navigation and at anchor. This includes the use of dynamic positioning when seabeds contain vulnerable species, helping to avoid anchoring in fragile areas, as well as strict onboard water management, with no discharge of pollutants or untreated wastewater into the sea and dedicated ballast water treatment systems.
Technology contributes to this effort in several ways. In partnership with SEA.AI, advanced detection systems help identify floating objects, while an AI module dedicated to marine mammal detection at the surface is under development. Routing decisions take the presence of sensitive species into account, and in IUCN areas identified as having a high density of marine mammals, speed is reduced to 10 knots in line with the IFAW Blue Speed initiative.
Biodiversity
Our initiatives
Underwater noise is another area of attention, given its recognised impact on marine fauna, particularly marine mammals. From the design stage onwards, efforts focus on reducing vibrations from propulsion systems and onboard machinery. At sea, relatively low cruising speeds further help limit acoustic disturbance.
This commitment also includes guest awareness, through participatory science programmes and dedicated initiatives designed to foster a closer connection with the marine world.
Waste Management on Board
Our initiatives
On board, responsibility is expressed through attention to detail - in the way resources are managed, monitored and improved over time.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts is working to reduce waste across the yacht, with particular attention to food waste generated by restaurants and hospitality operations. Winnow System helps identify where waste can be reduced at source, enabling teams to adjust practices more precisely and limit unnecessary loss.
The same attention extends to onboard operations more broadly, from service flows to technical systems, with the aim of improving sorting, using resources more efficiently and strengthening the management of materials.
Among the measures considered on board is a microplastic filter on the laundry water system, reflecting the intention to address even less visible forms of impact.
All waste is sorted, compacted and processed on board or landed at certified onshore facilities, in line with regulations that are stricter at sea than on land. The only waste that may be discharged at sea is food waste, under regulated conditions, in limited quantities and in dispersed form.
Energy Efficiency
Our initiatives
At Orient Express Sailing Yachts, energy efficiency begins with a simple principle: reducing energy demand wherever possible.
To support this approach, the yacht combines weather routing, Just-In-Time operations, reduced cruising speed and data-led energy monitoring. More than 6,000 sensors contribute to the management of onboard energy use, alongside a shaft generator under sail, exhaust gas heat recovery systems and shore power whenever available at quay.
Together, these measures help reduce carbon intensity as far as possible. In this same transition logic, Wärtsilä’s 25DF high-pressure engine helps limit methane slip.
The Use of Sails
The initiatives
Sail lies at the heart of Orient Express Sailing Yachts, both as a signature and as a meaningful way to reduce fuel use and CO₂ emissions.
With over 4,500 m² of sails, the yacht can sail fully under wind power in favourable conditions, although speed depends on the weather and will rarely exceed around 12 knots. Even under sail, some fuel remains necessary, as a share of onboard energy is dedicated to hospitality rather than propulsion.
Equipped with the SolidSail system developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the yacht features three fully automated 1,500 m² rigs, rotating through 360 degrees to maintain optimal trim. Sea trials in February 2026 confirmed performance of 12 knots under sail alone in 20 knots of wind.
This wind propulsion system is complemented by hybrid LNG propulsion, energy-efficiency features and dynamic positioning to help protect sensitive seabeds.
Commitments, Monitoring & Certifications
Meaningful action begins with measurement.
At Orient Express Sailing Yachts, a first forward-looking carbon footprint assessment is being developed to establish a clear basis for action and guide future priorities.
This approach is supported by recognised commitments and technical reference points. We’re part of Green Marine Europe, we’ve signed in 2025 both the IFAW Blue Charter and the French Cruise Charter.
The project further benefits from several technical certifications, including BV-SUSTAINABLESHIP-1, BV-CLEANSHIP and OWS-5ppm. One of the indicators closely monitored is the EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index), on which the vessel performs well above the current fleet average.
Together, these frameworks help structure a long-term approach grounded in transparency, consistency and measurable progress.
The Renaissance of Grand Sailing
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
Your journey begins here. Whether you seek personalized travel advice, have a special request, or simply wish to learn more about our voyages, we are at your service. Speak to your Travel Advisor or our dedicated team, and allow us to curate your next unforgettable adventure.
- PhoneUSA & Canada+1 888-595-0930
- PhoneFrance+33 (0)1 87 21 34 50
- PhoneWorldwide+44 20 8163 9430
- Emailreservations.sailingyachts@orient-express.com