HX Expeditions, the world’s longest-running expedition cruise company, has published its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance Report, revealing significant progress across emissions reduction, scientific engagement and community investment, alongside the launch of its first long-term sustainability strategy.
The report details a 12 per cent year-on-year reduction in direct carbon dioxide emissions, bringing the total down to 64,630 metric tonnes.
The company also recorded a 50 per cent reduction in sulphur oxide emissions and a 14 per cent fall in nitrogen oxide emissions, contributing to improved air quality in the remote destinations it operates within.
Citizen science participation reached a record high, with guests submitting 46,466 observations to global research projects including eBird, Happywhale and Global Cloud Observer, representing a 52 per cent increase on the previous year.
HX also provided 1,652 complimentary cabin nights to scientists and research institutions, a figure the company states is the highest in the expedition cruise industry, with those nights valued at more than €1.4 million.
Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi announced that HX will increase the number of free cabin nights available to guest scientists by 30 per cent for sailings from 2027, reaching a total of 3,900 nights annually.
HX is setting the industry standard because it leads with science, Dr Meraldi said, adding that the company’s ambition is to keep pushing further so scientists and researchers can reach the most remote places on Earth and deliver knowledge that really matters.
A notable scientific achievement during the 2025/26 Antarctic season saw Dr Manuel Novillo document a world-first observation of rare Antarctic blackfin icefish spawning behaviour near Danco Island, captured using underwater drones and never previously recorded in the area.
On the environmental side, HX removed 1,200 tonnes of ocean plastic through its partnership with Ocean Bottle, reduced food waste by 7 per cent per guest night, cut externally sourced water use by 64 per cent, and recorded zero environmental spills across all operations.
The company also introduced a fully electric, silent science boat to support low-impact research.
Through the HX Foundation, the company distributed €226,370 to 28 projects globally, with guests contributing an additional €215,195.
Women in senior leadership positions reached 45 per cent, and 27 per cent of sourcing was drawn from local suppliers across 44 businesses.
The 2025 report is the first by HX Expeditions to be informed by the European Sustainability Reporting Standards, a framework designed to standardise ESG disclosures across the EU.
The company has also introduced a dedicated sustainability strategy with SMART goals set through to 2030.
CEO Gebhard Rainer said the report marks a significant step forward in how the company defines and delivers on its sustainability ambitions.
As HX celebrates 130 years of exploration, he said, the 2030 strategy sets a clear path for the future, strengthening accountability and ensuring continued leadership in responsible expedition travel.
HX Expeditions was recognised at the 2025 Wave Awards for Best Sustainability Initiative and received three Gold Magellan Awards, including Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Ship, Best Expedition Itinerary and Best Education Programme.