Up Nort h Buzz GREEN MACHINES TO A MOTOR-FREE ISLE

by LYNDA TWARDOWSKI WHEATLEY

Making waves with new eco-friendly ferries.

Mackinac Island Ferry Company (formerly called Star Line) has more than a fleet of high-speed rooster-tailed ferries to crow about. The iconic ferry service is the first in Michigan to become Green Marine certified—i.e., exceeding regulatory standards and taking tangible, voluntary action to preserve the environment.

The company’s effort began small, with more energyefficient lighting, recycling bins on every ship, electric vehicles for company use on the St. Ignace and Mackinaw City Docks and the like. But recently, it’s gone far bigger: