HX Expeditions has released its 2025 ESG Report in conjunction with World Oceans Day, unveiling a new long-term sustainability strategy aimed at 2030. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, setting measurable targets outlined within the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainer highlighted that this report represents a crucial milestone in the organization’s journey towards realizing its sustainability ambitions. Celebrating 130 years of exploration, he stressed that the new strategy will enhance accountability and refine the company’s focus on responsible expedition travel.
The report indicates a 12% reduction in direct CO2 emissions year-on-year, totaling 64,630 metric tons. This decline is attributed to the retirement of the Maud vessel from the fleet. Other environmental improvements include a 50% reduction in sulfur oxide emissions and a 14% decrease in nitrogen oxide emissions, thanks to a greater use of low-sulfur marine gas oil. Notably, HX Expeditions recorded zero environmental spills in 2025, along with a 64% decrease in externally sourced water.
In efforts to support scientific research, HX Expeditions provided 1,652 complimentary cabin nights to scientists and research institutions in 2025, valued at over 1.4 million euros—an industry-leading figure expected to increase by 30% to a total of 3,900 cabin nights for 2027 bookings. Dr. Verena Meraldi, the chief scientist, underscored the importance of these contributions, emphasizing that scientific partnership allows exploration of remote regions vital for transformative knowledge.
As part of the 2025-26 Antarctic season, Dr. Manuel Novillo made a notable discovery of Antarctic blackfin icefish spawning behavior near Danco Island, a phenomenon never documented before. In 2025, the company engaged 97 scientists and expert lecturers over its voyages, culminating in a 52% rise in citizen science contributions through guest participation.
Also featured in the report is the HX Foundation’s contribution of 226,370 euros to 28 global projects, supplemented by an additional 215,195 euros raised through guest donations. In collaboration with Ocean Bottle, HX Expeditions collected 1,200 tons of ocean plastic. The introduction of a fully electric, silent science boat marks a further commitment to minimizing ecological impact, alongside an expansion of slow cruising itineraries aimed at reducing fuel consumption.
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