(HX) Hurtigruten Expeditions has announced support for more than 20 research projects for the 23/24 Antarctica season as guests and scientists collaborate at sea.
Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX) is donating more than 1,100 cruise nights to support at least 20 research projects as it sets new sustainability benchmarks in Antarctica over the 2023-24 season.
HX Chief Scientist Dr Verena Meraldi said that scientists spend weeks onboard conducting research, often alongside guests who are eager to understand the ecosystems they’re exploring.
“By year, HX will have provided up to 1,500 cabins to researchers across its global itineraries across more than 30 countries.”
HX Science & Education Program
HX forecasts that guests who take part on board will contribute more than 16,000 data submissions through its Science & Education Program.
Dr Meraldi said it’s been almost 130 years since HX pioneered expedition cruising in the region. With its history, the expedition cruise company has a responsibility to safeguard the places it explores.
“Since 2018, HX’s Science & Education Program, a first in the cruise industry, has forged partnerships with some of the world’s leading science institutions. Beyond minimising our footprint, it is our duty to leave these places better than we found them,” she said.
The 2023-24 Antarctica Science Program includes projects on drone-based whale research, penguin colony monitoring, and baleen whale population studies.
A new project will study Humpback whale bubble net feeding behaviour in collaboration with the California Ocean Alliance.
Hurtigruten (HX) hosted a partner event in Melbourne last week to share its 18-month plan to phase out the Hurtigruten Expeditions brand and share the next steps for transforming to its new brand, HX.
For more, head to: www.hurtigruten.com
