Our Commitment to Sustainability & Community Impact

Sustainability is not a department at Zero Emission Phinisi; it is the very reason we exist. Our mission is to prove that luxury travel can be a powerful force for preservation, which is why we channel 5% of our net revenue into local conservation projects. This commitment is woven into every fiber of our operation, from the silent, clean energy that propels our yacht to ensuring over 80% of ingredients in our galley are sourced from farms within a 50-kilometer radius. Our approach is holistic and transparent.

Pillar 1: A Zero-Emission, Carbon-Negative Journey

Our primary innovation is the elimination of fossil fuels from our propulsion system—saving an estimated 500 kg of CO2 daily compared to a traditional phinisi—but our commitment goes much further.

Electric & Solar Propulsion: Our vessel is powered by a state-of-the-art system of high-capacity batteries, charged by a vast array of solar panels and high-efficiency, low-noise generators that run only when necessary. This allows for hours of silent, emission-free cruising, protecting the air and the tranquility of the marine environment.
Carbon Offsetting: For the few unavoidable emissions, including guest and crew flights and generator use, we go beyond carbon neutral to be carbon negative. We have partnered with Gold Standard to invest in certified carbon offset projects, such as reforestation in Borneo, at a rate of 150% of our calculated footprint.
Energy Efficiency: Every system on board, from LED lighting to air conditioning, has been selected for maximum energy efficiency to reduce our overall power demand.

Pillar 2: Proactive Marine Conservation

We operate in the heart of the Coral Triangle, a region hosting over 76% of the world’s known coral species. We see it as our fundamental duty to actively protect this epicenter of marine biodiversity.

Reef Protection Protocols: We use advanced GPS and sonar systems to ensure we only anchor in designated sandy areas, far from delicate coral reefs. All guests are provided with complimentary, high-quality reef-safe sunscreen.
Citizen Science Programs: We invite our guests to be part of the solution. In partnership with organizations like the Manta Trust and local conservation groups, guests can help photograph and identify manta rays or participate in coral health surveys, contributing valuable data to scientific research.
Direct Conservation Funding: A percentage of every charter fee is donated directly to our conservation partners, such as WWF Indonesia and the Komodo Survival Program, to fund their on-the-ground work.

Pillar 3: Empowering Local Communities

Our existence is intertwined with the local communities of Flores and Raja Ampat, which is why over 90% of our crew are hired from these local islands. We are committed to ensuring they are the primary beneficiaries of our tourism activities.

Local Employment & Career Development: We are proud that over 85% of our crew are hired from the local communities surrounding our operational areas. We invest heavily in their training, providing them with internationally recognized certifications and clear paths for career advancement.
Sustainable Sourcing: We have a ‘local-first’ procurement policy. Over 70% of our fresh produce is sourced from organic farms and fishing cooperatives in and around Labuan Bajo and Sorong. This not only provides fresher ingredients for our guests but also injects revenue directly into the local economy.
The Juara Foundation: 1% of our gross revenue is channeled into our foundation, which funds community-chosen projects. Current initiatives include a waste management and recycling program in Mesa Village (Komodo) and providing school supplies and scholarships for children in Arborek Village (Raja Ampat).

Pillar 4: A Circular Approach to Waste

We are on a mission to eliminate the concept of ‘waste’ on our vessel, a goal supported by our strict ban on all single-use plastics since our 2023 launch.

No Single-Use Plastics: We have a complete ban on single-use plastics. Guests are given reusable water bottles, and all water is purified and bottled on board using a state-of-the-art filtration system. All provisions are sourced with minimal or zero-plastic packaging.
Comprehensive Waste Management: All waste generated on board is meticulously sorted. Organic waste is composted where possible. Recyclables are compacted and transported to dedicated recycling facilities like the ‘Bank Sampah’ in Labuan Bajo. What little cannot be recycled is disposed of responsibly at certified land-based facilities.

Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey. We publish our biannual impact reports, with the latest detailing a 15% reduction in per-guest water consumption, and welcome the scrutiny of our guests and partners. To learn more about the experts driving these initiatives, please meet our team.

Our 12-page Sustainability Framework details our commitments. Continue exploring Zero Emission Phinisi: Our Zero Emission Phinisi Service · Meet Our Team · Editorial Standards · Methodology · Sustainability · Safety & Compliance