By
Alex Smith |
HX Expeditions has published its 2025 ESG Report on World Oceans Day, recording a 12 per cent year-on-year reduction in absolute carbon dioxide emissions and the highest level of scientific access in the company’s history, alongside the launch of its first formal long-term sustainability strategy.
The company’s total direct carbon dioxide emissions fell to 64,630 metric tonnes, down from 73,107 in 2024. The reduction was partly driven by the removal of Maud from its fleet; on a per-available-passenger-cruise-night intensity basis, emissions per guest were unchanged at 0.14 metric tonnes. Sulphur oxide emissions fell 50 per cent to 6.81 metric tonnes and nitrogen oxides by 14 per cent to 914 metric tonnes, largely in line with the reduction in fuel consumption. The company’s first use of alternative fuel, a biofuel bunkering on MS Spitsbergen in Hamburg under FuelEU Maritime requirements, accounted for 0.2 per cent of fleet energy consumption. High-quality biofuel is not widely available across the polar and expedition regions where the fleet operates, and costs remain high where it is accessible.
A total of 1,652 complimentary cabin nights, worth over €1.4 million ($1.6 million), were provided to researchers during the year, supporting 42 scientific collaboration projects. Guest citizen science submissions rose 52 per cent to 46,466 observations. Notable research during the year included a world-first observation of Antarctic blackfin icefish spawning behaviour near Danco Island, recorded by Dr Manuel Novillo using underwater drones aboard an HX vessel. HX also revealed that dedicated scientist cabin nights will further increase 30 per cent from 2027, reaching 3,900 annually.
Guest citizen science submissions rose 52 per cent to 46,466 observations in 2025 (Photo: HX Expeditions)
The company also supported two peer-reviewed studies examining its own environmental footprint: one analysing treated wastewater from Arctic expedition vessels, which identified more than 160 compounds including pharmaceuticals and personal care products; and a second examining flame retardant chemicals in onboard dust. Findings from both studies are now informing the line’s procurement standards and onboard waste treatment.
The HX Foundation distributed €226,370 ($261,400) to 28 projects globally, a shift in strategy from 58 smaller grants the previous year, supplemented by €215,195 ($248,500) in guest donations. The Rapid Response Fund, which enables crew to disburse €1,000 ($1,150) quickly to communities in need, was used 14 times in 2025, up from four in 2024, with disbursements including typhoon-affected crew in the Philippines, a food bank in Gjøa Haven in Arctic Canada, and a community museum in Uummannaq, Greenland.
Total waste increased 59 per cent year-on-year to 3.2 million kilograms, though the company attributes 48 per cent of this to dry-docking for refurbishment. Food waste per occupied guest night fell 7 per cent. Women in senior leadership rose from 34 per cent to 45 per cent, and women on the executive leadership team increased from two to five.
Published alongside the report, the company’s first formal 2030 sustainability strategy sets out specific targets across emissions, nature and community. On emissions, near-term decarbonisation targets and an accompanying plan are to be published by 2027, with full Scope 3 accounting across the value chain by 2029 and net zero by 2050. Nature targets include recycling 100 per cent of recyclable material by 2028 and increasing the proportion of guest nights classified as Green Stays from 24 per cent to 50 per cent by 2030. Community targets include achieving gender balance in maritime cadet intakes by 2028, implementing a recurring cadetship programme for Greenlandic nationals from 2027, and disbursing the Rapid Response Fund to over 50 communities with more than 2,000 people positively impacted annually through to 2030.
HX aims to recycle 100 per cent of recyclable material by 2028 (Photo: HX Expeditions)
The report is the first informed by the European Sustainability Reporting Standards and aligns with the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, including an assessment of both how sustainability risks affect the business and how the company's operations affect the environment and society.
“This report marks a significant step forward in how we define and deliver on our sustainability ambitions,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions. “As we celebrate 130 years of exploration, our 2030 strategy sets a clear path for the future, strengthening accountability, sharpening our focus and ensuring we continue to lead in responsible expedition travel while contributing meaningfully to the wider industry.”