Hurtigruten Expeditions Unveils First ESG Report
Hurtigruten Expeditions has released its inaugural independent Environmental, Social, and Governance report, titled “Navigating for a Greener Future,” marking the first fully standalone publication since the company’s separation from the Hurtigruten Group. The report outlines HX’s commitment to transparency and sustainable expedition travel as it forges a new path as an independent leader in the industry.
“This report marks an important milestone in HX’s journey as an independent company,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX. He noted that the document reflects the tangible progress HX has achieved and underscores the company’s dedication to setting a new benchmark for responsible expedition cruising. Rainer added that innovation and accountability are central to HX’s mission and that the ESG report demonstrates how these values translate into measurable environmental and social impact.
On the science and education front, HX dedicated 1,911 cruise nights to guest scientists who contributed more than 30,000 citizen science submissions across 3,425 sessions. The expedition line partnered with leading research institutions, including the British Antarctic Survey, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and the Alfred Wegener Institute, to advance ocean and polar science. These collaborations enabled passengers and crew to play an active role in data collection and environmental monitoring.
In a first for the expedition industry, HX launched an accredited university course at sea in partnership with the University of Tasmania. More than 1,870 participants enrolled in the six-hour Antarctic science and governance module, and by early 2025, 760 of them had received certification. This academic initiative offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to earn university credits while cruising through some of the planet’s most remote regions.
Addressing plastic pollution, HX partnered with the Ocean Bottle initiative to distribute 40,000 reusable bottles to guests and crew. This effort prevented the equivalent of 45 million single-use plastic bottles—or 516 tons of plastic—from entering the ocean, reinforcing HX’s commitment to cutting waste and promoting sustainable practices on board.
The report also highlights HX’s environmental accolades. The line earned the top score on the Friends of the Earth environmental scorecard and was named the highest-ranked expedition cruise company in NABU’s environmental index. HX received “Excellence” and “Leading Company” awards at the European ESG Transparency Award and the Princess Royal Training Award for its “Guiding in Polar Bear Environments” course. At the Seatrade Cruise Awards, HX’s Rapid Response Fund was honored as the Expedition Cruise Initiative of the Year.
The Rapid Response Fund empowers crew members to donate up to €1,000 to local causes without head office approval, ensuring timely community support. Recent disbursements included funding for scientific equipment in Scotland, school supplies in Colombia, and sports gear for a wrestling club in Cambridge Bay, Canada, showcasing HX’s commitment to positive social impact in the destinations it visits.
Despite an operational year marked by extensive docking, which still consumes fuel and generates waste, HX reported a 27 percent reduction in total CO₂ emissions. The company introduced a new itinerary planning tool that calculates the carbon footprint of proposed sailings, allowing planners to redesign high-emission routes. HX leadership also participated in COP29, with the Chief Scientist advocating for ocean-based climate solutions.
On the people and inclusion front, HX achieved a 50 percent reduction in Lost Time Incident Frequency, reflecting enhanced safety protocols. The company established new Employee Resource Groups focused on diversity and inclusion and opened a Gold LEED–certified office in Prague. HX hired over 70 new team members across guest services, IT, and operations, reinforcing its commitment to a supportive and sustainable workplace.
“We operate in some of the most fragile and awe-inspiring places on the planet,” said Felix Hamer, Strategy Manager, Sustainability. “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.”
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