Hopealinjat is on a journey towards a more environmentally responsible way of operating. We are building an EcoCompass environmental management system. EcoCompass helps us incorporate environmental aspects into all our organizational decision-making and activities.
As a company operating on lakes, it is important to us that we do not burden lake nature more than necessary with our operations. Therefore, we are currently developing our practices in many areas. Our goal is to continually improve our consideration of environmental aspects.
Our aim is to implement our sustainability strategy in practical actions, and the environmental system we are building will be audited by an independent party. The EcoCompass certification we are pursuing is compatible with international ISO 14001 and EMAS standards, as well as Nordic equivalent systems. We want to contribute to preserving Finnish lake nature in its pristine state.
We are also participating in the Sustainable Travel Finland program.
Improved Waste Sorting at Hopealinjat
Hopealinjat has improved waste sorting. Sorting bins have been introduced in the office, and all office waste is appropriately sorted. During the 2025-26 season, the restaurant will aim to minimize food waste by exploring new possibilities for predicting buffet demand. Hopealinjat will also start weighing waste on boats and in restaurants.
Changes to Drainage – No Greywater into Lakes
Hopealinjat aims to replace some ships’ sewage tanks with larger ones and introduce drainage for greywater. Ship-specific plans will be ready for the 2025-26 season.
Emphasizing Environmental Factors and Domesticity in Purchases
Hopealinjat uses biodegradable detergents for cleaning boats and selects only environmentally labeled products for other cleaning. Before purchasing new items, Hopealinjat always considers whether broken equipment can be repaired—for instance, kitchen appliances and ship technologies, such as engines. For the third consecutive year, Hopealinjat has offered customers the best craft beers from Tampere’s small breweries. Environmental responsibility is considered in wine selections, offering only European wines. Menus emphasize domestic and local products. Hopealinjat sources only domestic meat, fish, and dairy products. At Restaurant Kattila, pike perch caught from Lake Pyhäjärvi by a local fish supplier is served. In the future, the aim is to increase the proportion of fish and vegetarian dishes on Hopealinjat’s boats and in its restaurants.
Event Rentals at Viikinsaari Additional equipment required for large public events in Viikinsaari, such as refrigerators, tents, and devices, will be rented instead of purchased. In the future, suppliers with environmental certifications will be prioritized in procurement.
Upgrading Ship Technology for Positive Environmental Impact
In 2024, the Tammerkoski ship underwent a significant lifecycle renovation, during which its two propulsion engines and the generator required for electricity production were replaced. In addition, lights were converted to LED, and heating systems were switched to air-source heat pumps. These measures reduced the ship’s energy consumption by one-third.
From the 2023 season onwards, Tarjanne transitioned to operating on birch logs. The ship’s boiler was restored to its original design, with oil burners and tanks removed. Fireboxes were equipped with ovens, draft doors, and grates. The return of a long-route steamship to biofuel usage is a notable event in Finland. The decision to use firewood moved Tarjanne closer to its original design while also steering it towards renewable energy usage.
Nature Conservation and Hopealinjat
The Ministry of the Environment has published a national pollinator strategy and action plan, aiming to secure the future of pollinators and pollination in Finland. Pollinating insects are vital for agriculture and the functioning of natural ecosystems. Hopealinjat aims to increase flower meadows, insect hotels, and birdhouses in Viikinsaari.
The sailing speed of ships is reduced in coastal areas to slow shoreline erosion, with ongoing evaluations of new slowdown zones.
Restaurant Viikinsaari has its herb garden on the island, supplying most of the herbs needed in cooking. Menus also aim to utilize wild herbs naturally found on the island.
A Major Summer Employer in Pirkanmaa
Hopealinjat is a major summer employer in Pirkanmaa, hiring professionals as well as several dozen young people each year during the summer. For some, Hopealinjat is their first summer job, and the company also employs individuals under 18. Hopealinjat also provides opportunities for students and schoolchildren to gain valuable experience in the tourism industry through internships and familiarization programs.
Equality is important to us in all our activities. In the 2025-26 season, we will create an equality plan to ensure that all members of our work community and our customers are treated equally. All members of our work community will participate in this work.
