Expedition cruising company HX — which aims to be the most sustainable expedition company in the world — recently published its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for 2023, showcasing achievements in emissions reduction, environmental conservation, community engagement and advancements in the people sector.
According to the company, the report emphasizes HX's commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.
Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) emphasized the importance of transparency.
"As we celebrate the milestones outlined in our ESG results, we call upon our industry peers to join us in prioritizing transparency and accountability in our sustainability efforts,” he said in a press release. “By openly sharing our progress and challenges, we can collectively drive meaningful change and ensure a more sustainable future for all."
We call upon our industry peers to join us in prioritizing transparency and accountability in our sustainability efforts.
Key highlights of HX’s ESG report include:
- Reduced Scope 1 emissions per available guest night by 18% since 2022, despite a 10% increase in distance traveled.
- Reduced NOx emissions by 51% and SOx emissions by 47% (when released, these gases can lead to acid rain).
- Achieved a 20% reduction in total waste and a 16% reduction in water consumption per guest.
- Donated a record 1,800 cruise nights to scientists working on over 30 different projects.
- Increased the percentage of women in senior on-land leadership from 29% to 41%.
- Used local ports (84%) to supply local food and beverages to ships.
"Adventure travel serves as a catalyst for advocating on behalf of communities, environments and wildlife impacted by climate change," Skjeldam added. "Our responsibility lies in ensuring that these experiences are conducted responsibly. Recognizing the carbon footprint inherent in our industry, our focus is on proactive measures to prevent emissions."
HX has implemented various initiatives to reduce emissions and protect nature, including optimized sailing routes, reduced sailing speed, and the utilization of shore power in Reykjavik. Additionally, the company has banned single-use plastics, reformulated menus to reduce food waste and provided water bottles and refill stations for guests.
In terms of community engagement, HX's "Green Stays" program, where cabins are not serviced in exchange for donations to the Hurtigruten Foundation, has seen an increase to 26% of total guest nights, compared to 20% in 2022. The Foundation had a record year in guest contributions, raising over 800,000 Euros for more than 71 various causes in the destinations visited by HX.
"We consistently highlight responsible travel as a force for good, prioritizing meaningful exploration and value creation over mass tourism," Skjeldam said.
Editor’s note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by HX. It was reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
