HX Expeditions has unveiled its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, outlining significant progress across emissions reduction, scientific research and community impact, while introducing a long-term sustainability strategy through to 2030.
The report marks the first time HX has aligned its disclosures with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), providing greater transparency around its environmental, social and governance performance.
Emissions reductions continue
HX reported a 12 per cent reduction in direct carbon dioxide emissions during 2025, alongside a 50 per cent reduction in sulphur oxide emissions and a 14 per cent decrease in nitrogen oxide emissions.
The company also introduced its first alternative fuel use since becoming a standalone business and expanded its slow-cruising approach on selected itineraries to reduce fuel consumption while enhancing the guest experience.
As part of its new sustainability roadmap, HX has established a series of measurable targets extending through to 2030.
Science remains at the heart of operations
Scientific research and education continue to play a central role in the HX experience.
During 2025, the company provided 1,652 complimentary cabin nights to scientists and researchers, representing more than €1.4 million in support. Guests also contributed a record 46,466 citizen science observations, an increase of 52 per cent compared with the previous year.
HX Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi also announced plans to increase complimentary scientist cabin nights by 30 per cent from 2027, allowing more researchers access to remote and environmentally significant regions.
The year also delivered a scientific breakthrough in Antarctica, where researchers documented rare Antarctic blackfin icefish spawning behaviour using underwater drones.
Community and conservation initiatives grow
Through the HX Foundation, the company distributed €226,370 to 28 projects globally, while guests contributed a further €215,195 to support conservation and community initiatives.
HX also reported the removal of 1,200 tonnes of ocean-bound plastic through its partnership with Ocean Bottle and recorded zero environmental spills across its operations during 2025.
Women now represent 45 per cent of senior leadership positions, while more than a quarter of company sourcing was undertaken through local suppliers in destinations visited by HX vessels.
Destination-focused sustainability
For the first time, the report maps sustainability outcomes by destination, highlighting initiatives across Antarctica, Greenland, Alaska, Svalbard and the Northwest Passage.
Projects include dedicated science cabins in Antarctica, locally developed tourism experiences in Greenland and more than €337,000 in direct economic impact generated for communities in the Northwest Passage.
HX Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainer said the report represents an important milestone for the company.
“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,” he said.
