By
Laura Hyde |
Expedition cruise line HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) reduced its overall carbon emissions by 27 per cent in 2024, according to its first standalone environmental, social and governance report since formally separating from the Hurtigruten Group in 2024.
The Navigating for a Greener Future report also revealed the cruise line decreased overall waste by 19 per cent and water consumption by 20 per cent onboard its fleet of five vessels, which includes two hybrid ships. In addition, the cruise line saved 45 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean thanks to its partnership with Ocean Bottle, which saw the cruise line distribute 40,000 reusable bottles to guests and crew.
“This report marks an important milestone in HX’s journey as an independent company,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX. “It reflects not only the tangible progress we’ve made, but also our unwavering commitment to setting a new standard in sustainable expedition travel. Transparency, innovation and responsibility are central to our operations, and we believe this report demonstrates how those values translate into real-world impact.”
According to the report, a record-breaking 1,911 cruise nights were dedicated to guest scientists in 2024, with guests contributing to over 30,000 citizen science submissions across 3,425 sessions, supporting research on climate, microplastics, cetaceans and more. HX collaborated with institutions including the British Antarctic Survey, Norwegian Polar Institute, and Alfred Wegener Institute in order to strengthen the scientific value of each expedition.
In 2024 HX became the first expedition cruise company to offer an accredited university module on Antarctic science and governance for guests and staff, in partnership with the University of Tasmania in Australia. Over 1,870 participants enrolled in the six-hour course, with 760 receiving certificates so far.
In 2024, HX collaborated with institutions including the British Antarctic Survey, Norwegian Polar Institute, and Alfred Wegener Institute to strengthen the scientific value of its expeditions
The HX Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting environmental conservation, community empowerment and sustainable development in regions where HX’s ships operate, has distributed €421,000 ($477,000) amongst 58 projects in 19 countries. Guests have contributed over €229,000 ($259,000) of this total, according to the report.
“We operate in some of the most fragile and awe-inspiring places on the planet,” said Felix Hamer, strategy manager sustainability for HX. “Whether it’s eliminating single-use plastic, launching the first university course at sea, or reducing emissions through smarter itinerary planning, this shows what’s possible when sustainability is embedded in everything we do. Our goal isn’t just to explore responsibly, but to actively protect and restore the environments and communities we connect with.”
Read the full Navigating for a Greener Future report on the HX website