Storylines was founded on the principles of sustainable luxury and sustainable travel. As part of our journey around the globe, we support local communities and local economies through philanthropy, volunteering and purchasing from local businesses.
Part of our mission for sustainable travel at sea is in promoting social and economic benefits globally, as the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) encourages. As a community of liveaboard sustainable travelers, we can participate more than the average tourist.
In support of our responsible travel and sustainable tourism goals, some of the environmental Sustainability Initiatives that Storylines is implementing include:
Liquid Natural Gas
Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. It is currently the most environmentally friendly option for powering ships. It is produced by taking natural gas, removing impurities, and liquifying it at very low temperatures. The vessel will source renewable LNG (also known as RNG, biogas, bio-LNG, and biomethane) whenever possible. Renewable LNG is derived from waste products such as landfills, livestock operations, commercial food waste facilities, and wastewater treatment plants. It has less environmental impact and more environmental benefits. Using renewable LNG cuts CO2 carbon emissions by more than 80% compared to diesel. (NGVA / NGVA Europe)
Hydroponic Garden
Storylines is the world’s first ship to have an organic vertical hydroponic garden. The solar-powered gardens will have crops such as salad greens, microgreens, herbs, and vine crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, and some fruit, including strawberries. Growing and consuming our own produce on board is integral to our efforts to travel sustainably
Converting Waste to Energy
Storylines is researching the most technologically advanced maritime systems as part of our carbon reduction projects. Converting waste heat (from the ship’s engines) to electricity can power the ships’ residences. Excess energy needed to cool the LNG fuel can be reclaimed to cool the HVAC system, thus reducing total vessel energy consumption. Also under consideration is equipment that converts solid carbon-based waste, including food, sewage, paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, and oil, into biochar.
Zero-Waste Onboard Farmer’s Market
Being aware of the damage that waste from mass tourism causes, Storylines has created the first ever ‘zero-waste’ ship store. The innovative market will feature organic produce from the ship’s garden, freshly made deli selections, dry bulk goods, and refill stations for everyday essentials, including household, beauty, and personal care items. Packaging is all biodegradable, compostable or reusable. Residents choose cotton bags or reusable canisters to avoid using plastic.
Ship to Plate (Farm to Table)
Storylines is the first ship to grow its own crops onboard, taking the locally and responsibly sourced food movement to the high seas. The ship can also source local food from farms to support the local communities in the ports it visits. The farm-to-table (ship-to-plate) restaurant will also feature a ‘catch of the day, fresh seafood from the ports of call.
Sustainably Sourced Food
Storylines sources only sustainable seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Other animal products are free-range, not factory farmed. Sourcing local food from sustainable farms and sustainable businesses in the local community is a priority (and local farms whenever possible) to reduce the ship’s carbon footprint and ensure that residents and crew are offered only the freshest food. In addition, our residents create future economic benefits for the industry by choosing sustainable options for local cuisine.
Microbrewery
In keeping with the local and sustainable travel ethos, Storylines’ ship has an onboard 800-liter capacity brewery, tapping several varieties of beer to produce enough to self-sustain its residents and crew. In addition to serving exceptionally fresh, high-quality beer, this will also help meet waste reduction requirements and sustainable living goals.
Barrel Wine on Tap
Storylines’ offers an incredible wine selection on barrel tap as part of its commitment to using fewer natural resources. Varieties worldwide of award-winning quality from a wide range of vineyards will be available. These can be served by the glass, carafe or bottle. Each 60-gallon barrel of wine saves the packaging of 25 cases and 300 glass bottles. This enables residents and guests to sample a variety of wines before selecting. Tourism dollars will be going towards local boutique wineries that we visit in another effort to support local people and their cultural heritage.
No Single-Use Plastics
It's no secret that mass tourism needs better sustainable plastic waste practices. Storylines is committed to using only biodegradable or reusable items as part of our goal of being eco-conscious travelers. In food service areas, jam, butter, and yogurt containers are served residential style, not in individual plastic containers. Metal spoons will be used instead of plastic stir sticks, and residents will find washable glasses and coffee mugs instead of disposable cups. Other examples include biodegradable straws, bamboo picnic utensils, cloth napkins, and compostable take-out containers. Cabin service will not include miniature plastic toiletry bottles...like any other residence, personal care items are purchased in the market or in port. In-residence coffee makers use compostable pods to contribute to our travel green initiatives.
Sustainable Supply Chain
Storylines purchases from ethical companies that share common goals, including responsible governance, protecting resources, and treating employees fairly. Working with B-Corporations ensures that Storylines is aligned with businesses prioritizing people and the planet above profits. Supporting companies participating in 1% for the Planet and Pledge 1% helps environmental preservation, and purchasing from climate-neutral companies helps to halt climate change.
FSC Certified Paper Products
Storylines is well accustomed to digital communications and technology as a multinational corporation. DocuSign and SmartVault software for transactions help with paperless operations. The business center on MV Narrative for residents’ use will have printers and 100% post-consumer recycled paper and a recycling receptacle. Any paper products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as part of our effort to preserve the natural habitat.
Recycling
Storylines is well accustomed to digital communications and technology as a multinational corporation. DocuSign and SmartVault software for transactions help with paperless operations. The business center on MV Narrative for residents’ use will have printers and 100% post-consumer recycled paper and a recycling receptacle. Any paper products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as part of our effort to preserve the natural habitat.
Nontoxic Hull Coating
The antifouling coating on the hull prevents ship fouling and organisms from settling. While most antifouling is toxic for marine life, Storylines sources a nontoxic, biocide-free coating that is safe for sensitive marine environments. It keeps the hull smooth and reduces fuel consumption by reducing friction resistance. The ultra-strong coating prevents corrosion and damage and remains in place for many years for long-term performance. Underwater cleaning is possible without any risk of deterioration or release of toxins.
Biodegradable cleaning products for marine environments
As part of our conservation efforts, Storylines uses only ‘green’ cleaning products following the US Environmental Protection Agency’s certified Safer Choice resources. Purchasing nontoxic, biodegradable, concentrated formulas in bulk, recyclable containers helps ensure that Storylines does its part to prevent negative environmental impacts and keep natural resources (including sensitive marine environments) safe.
Environmental Officer
Storylines will have a dedicated employee responsible for developing, maintaining, and overseeing environmental policies that go above and beyond comprehensive procedures in industry standard guidelines. The environmental impacts officer will help us retain sustainable travel goals by choosing sustainable tour operators, being culturally sensitive, and ensuring we have an overall positive impact with environmentally friendly practices.
Carbon Neutral
Storylines’ goal is to offset the carbon footprint of emissions from its ship MV Narrative. The carbon credit project under review converts landfill gas to energy by diverting methane and carbon dioxide to fuel. In this renewable natural gas project, internal combustion engine generators provide power for the grid and reduce the amount of toxic gas released into the atmosphere.
Pledge 1%
Storylines participates in the Pledge 1% program, contributing a portion of profits to Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit organization established in 1972. Financial support helps to protect the ocean from global challenges by creating science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.
Protecting Reefs
Storylines protects sensitive reef ecosystems we visit. We educate residents and guests about caring for these environments and organize volunteer hands-on reef restoration programs. We sell only reef-safe sunscreen products on board and use only biodegradable cleaning products.
Organic Dry Cleaning
Our onboard dry cleaning center will use alternatives to chemical solvents such as perchloroethylene. This chemical solvent can poison the people working the machines and can leak toxicities, contaminating the surrounding community.
About Storylines
Storylines is a luxury lifestyle ship with a like-minded community of globally-conscious citizens traveling the world. We seek unique experiences, cultural events and community participation while practicing and promoting the sustainable travel concept.