Sustainability

Alfons Håkans’ Commitment to Ethical, Environmental, Social, and Community Responsibility

Alfons Håkans’ places the highest value on ethical business practices, including strict adherence to international sanctions and market restrictions. We as a company value trust in all our business relationships and collaborations. We conduct comprehensive review of our compliance protocols at regular intervals to further bolster our commitment to ethical and sustainable business operations. 

Sustainability is a core value at Alfons Håkans, and we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact across all aspects of our operations. Beyond environmental responsibility, we also focus on social and economic sustainability. We actively seek ways to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency by investing in modern and eco-friendly technologies, optimizing our routes, and implementing sustainable practices throughout our fleet and logistics processes.

We prioritize social sustainability by fostering a positive work environment that values diversity, equality, and employee well-being. We provide comprehensive training and career development opportunities, ensuring the personal and professional growth of our team members. By promoting a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing employee satisfaction, we aim to create a sustainable and motivated workforce that delivers exceptional service to our clients.

Economic sustainability is vital to the long-term success of our company and the communities we serve. By delivering reliable and efficient services, we contribute to the growth of industries and businesses while promoting regional economic development. We understand that by nurturing a sustainable ecosystem, we can create a positive impact on the environment, society, and the communities we operate in, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Collaboration is also integral to our sustainability strategy. We actively seek partnerships with like-minded organizations, industry experts, and local communities to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collectively address global sustainability challenges. By working together, we can leverage our collective strengths and make a greater impact in creating a more sustainable future.

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives: InterAction, Sailing and Youth Football in Turku

Alfons Håkans is deeply committed to sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. In line with this core value, we’re proud to spotlight our work with FC Inter Turku in our social responsibility program called InterAction, aiming to promote youth football and community well-being in Turku and the broader Varsinais-Suomi region.

Community and Youth Engagement

InterAction was designed to foster a nurturing community for families while expanding the program beyond just FC Inter Turku members. A key focus is on young players, ensuring they have a place where they can engage in physical activity, enjoy themselves, and feel a sense of belonging. The initiative targets not only the physical but also the social and psychological well-being of its participants.

Equal Access to Sports – A Financial Aid Fund

FC Inter Turku operates a support fund to ensure that no child or young adult has to quit football due to financial constraints. The fund offers financial aid to players in need, particularly focusing on families struggling to afford participation fees.

Neighborhood Sports Activities

In collaboration with Turku’s municipal sports services, FC Inter organizes free, local playground activities in specific neighborhoods. These activities cater to children aged 7-12 and don’t require pre-registration. The program introduces kids to various sports, aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle and teamwork skills.

Children and Youth Support Team (Lasten ja nuorten tukijoukkue)

InterAction, in conjunction with local child protection services, sponsors a ”Youth Support Team”. The idea is to make physical activity and teamwork accessible to all young people, regardless of their background. The training sessions focus on motor skills and body control as well as social skills in a team setting, providing an excellent opportunity for children and young adults to grow in a supportive environment.

We believe that such activities are a crucial step in developing recreational opportunities, especially for special-needs children.

Through our involvement in InterAction and our ongoing sustainability initiatives, Alfons Håkans continues to stand as a pillar of community development, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Together, we are creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Sailing

Alfons Håkans Hangöregattan

In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Alfons Håkans announced a five-year partnership with Hangö Segelförening in December 2022. This partnership makes us the main collaborator of the esteemed Hanko Regatta and encompasses broader initiatives for the development of sailing events in Hanko.

We are a mainstay in the shipping industry, and our partnership with Hangö Segelförening allows us to further engage with leisure boaters and competitive sailors alike. Our focus on safety and effective maritime communication aligns perfectly with the needs of the sailing community.

Alfons Håkans and Hangö Segelförening (HSF) aim to elevate the importance of safety and good communication within the yacht racing community. In the busy waters of Hanko, our collaboration seeks to promote mutual understanding between commercial ships and competitive sailors, enhancing operational safety for all parties. We are actively encouraging the use of VHF radios for reliable maritime communication during sailing events, which is crucial for avoiding mishaps and saving lives.

Sailing has a strong tradition in Finland, and through our partnership with Hangö Segelförening, we aim to bring focus back to the sport and action on the water. This partnership continues our longstanding commitment to social responsibility, much like our support for youth football through FC Inter. Alfons Håkans is not just investing in sailing – we’re contributing to safer, more sustainable waterways and enriching the community for future generations.

Alfons Håkans onboard Galiana WithSecure in the Ocean Globe Race 2023-24

Team Galiana WithSecure is the youngest team in the Ocean Globe Race whilst their yacht, the classic Swan 55 Yawl, is the oldest boat in the race.Several members of the young team under skipper and five-time Cape Horner Tapio Lehtinen’s experienced command are also members of the Turku based Team Åbo Båtvarf, the active classic yacht community strongly supported by Alfons Håkans.

Safety on the long and cruel voyage around the world is elementary and Alfons Håkans stepped in as a safety partner, enabling reliable life rafts and personal safety gear for the well-prepared team. As they reached the end of the notorious Southern Ocean and rounded Cape Horn, celebrations included the highlight of the youngest ever Finnish ocean racer rounding the Horn: Silja Jacoby, 20, is living her dream to sail around the world while the team is writing a new chapter in the Finnish yacht racing history.  

Team Åbo Båtvarf

The historical boatyard in Ruissalo, Åbo Båtvarf (1889-1954), has been reborn in the hands of the Håkans family. During the last decade the historical venue has seen a total facelift and development from a struggling old boatyard to a lively event venue and free-time destination. The history and the heritage of the yard has been carefully restored and several wooden classics built by Åbo Båtvarf have returned to their home port and are sailing actively these days. The Åbo Båtvarf classic fleet consists of one Eight Metre Class yacht, two Six Metres and four Five Metres while two other cruising boats plus the magnificent saloon boat, “Airawata” (1923), serve as tender boats to the racing fleet. The sailing program includes open-door weekly sailing days for the youth and well-orchestrated participation in the Finnish classic sailing circuit for the more advanced youngsters. A former Finnish yacht racing enthusiast once said: “The only way to learn sailing properly is to participate in the racing activities.” And this is exactly what Team Åbo Båtvarf can offer our young generation of keen sailors.   

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