Changing Tides: Enviu's Impactful Journey Towards Sustainable Mobility

How much have you travelled this week? To work, see friends, go to school, sightsee, visit a doctor, shop, party? Reasons to be mobile are endless, and mobility is a critical enabler in our society. We are on the move! And that’s a good thing, right? Well, it definitely can be. Because mobility has become a pivotal point of intervention in our battle against climate change and social injustice.

Enviu’s journey related to Mobility has been marked by a series of impactful ventures in the maritime sector. Our small team achieved remarkable feats, from establishing the first zero-emission shipping company with Future Proof Shipping to pioneering waterway logistics with Portago. We initiated a circular ship dismantling solution with CMT, and our hydrogen watertaxi (SWIM) has won awards as an example that systemic change can start small. And the wind is changing: we are proud to have helped propel the maritime sector’s sense of urgency to address environmental challenges.

At the same time, we saw that the very issues we were tackling in the maritime realm were becoming increasingly concentrated in cities. This realization was reinforced by Enviu’s presence in four major cities globally, which all struggle with similar challenges. The change in our name from THRUST to Enviu Mobility signifies our commitment to tackle challenges both on the water and within cities, acknowledging that we work with ocean giants as well as two (or three)-wheeled city dwellers.

Urban mobility as focal point for change

The statistics are stark and sobering. The transportation sector, a critical enabler of our global economy, was responsible for over 16% of carbon dioxide emissions in 2021. Beyond direct emissions, the entire lifecycle of vehicles also contributes significantly to environmental impact. On top of this, traffic accidents claim 1.35 million lives annually, and air pollution impacts countless more.

Within these daunting challenges however lies a silver lining: the potential to make a difference is within our reach, and urban mobility can be our catalyst for change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report underscores the immense potential for emissions reduction through innovative mobility strategies. It's time to harness these opportunities and steer our cities towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Transport offers several mitigation options that are relatively cheap and can be tested and have a large impact in the urban context.

If we would think we could do it alone.. .. We would not be thinking big enough. Enviu Mobility is proud to announce its collaboration with ‘mobility rethinkers’, academia and experts within and outside of the urban mobility realm to carve out new paths to address these complex issues at their roots and with an open mind: Lab of Thought, DRIFT, DAM, Future Mobility Park, Fresk.digital, Watertaxi Rotterdam, Kruitbosch... just to name a few!

Circularity and Inclusivity in Action

Enviu Mobility's approach hinges on a three-pronged strategy that starts small but dreams big. The journey begins in Rotterdam and Bangalore, where pioneering projects are starting to take shape. These projects are grounded in principles that can be scaled across the globe:

1.     Rethinking Urban Spaces: Streets are not just for cars; they are for people. By repurposing urban spaces to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and shared mobility options, cities can cultivate a sense of community while reducing congestion and emissions.

2.     Choosing Sustainable Options: Enviu Mobility champions mobility solutions that carry the smallest environmental footprint per travelled mile per person/goods. From electric vehicles to efficient public transport, the goal is to offer choices that are both eco-friendly and accessible.

3.     Enhancing Circularity: It's not just about reducing emissions during the use phase; it's about lowering the lifecycle impact of vehicles. Enviu Mobility embraces circular practices, promoting vehicle designs that are durable, repairable, and recyclable.

Are you a news writer eager to explore how Enviu's journey in the mobility sector, encompassing zero-emission shipping, innovative solutions, and environmental awareness, is making waves in the maritime industry?

Reach out to us today!