by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Mon December 16, 2024
HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) has won a prestigious award for its environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
The company was awarded the 2024 “ESG Transparency Award“ by the European Sustainability Initiative. HX earned the highest distinction in the “Excellence Class” category and was named the “Leading Company” in the Transparency and Sustainability category.
“This recognition validates our commitment to building a sustainable future,” says Gebhard Rainer, chief executive officer of HX. “It underscores the power of transparency in driving genuine progress. We’re proud to be pioneers in the industry that actually ‘walk the talk’ and remain steadfast in our mission to reduce our ecological footprint and set new standards for sustainable expedition travel.”
PHOTO: MS Fram. (photo courtesy of Hurtigruten)
HX was evaluated in five key categories: transparency, environmental impact, social responsibility, corporate governance and compliance. The accolades were awarded at the 2024 European Sustainability Week in Bonn, Germany, over the weekend.
“At HX, we believe that true leadership goes beyond exploration—it’s about charting a course for a better, more sustainable future,” says Tudor Morgan, vice president of sustainability and industry relations for HX. “Winning this award for transparency in ESG is not just a recognition of our efforts; it’s a commitment to continually push the boundaries of integrity and accountability. We are proud to lead with purpose, and this award is a testament to the collective dedication of our entire team to make a lasting positive impact on both the planet and the communities we serve.”
HX's MS Fridtjof Nansen (Photo Credit: HX)
Several factors contributed to HX’s recognition, including the company’s commitment to developing innovative green technologies. HX eliminated heavy fuel oil in 2009, removed single-use plastics in 2018 and launched the world’s first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship in 2019.
The company has also implemented a variety of eco-friendly measures across its fleet, including battery packs, energy-efficient hull designs, heat recovery systems and shore power capabilities. Overall, these adjustments have led to a 20% reduction in emissions.
HX has also achieved an 18% reduction in Scope 1 CO2 emissions per passenger night since 2022, a 51% reduction in NOx emissions, a 47% in SOx emissions, a 30% reduction in waste per guest and a 16% reduction in water consumption.
The HX Foundation supports sustainable development projects in 44 communities around the world. And 84% of the food and beverages served onboard are sourced regionally, which further supports local communities.
“Our goal is not only to travel in a more sustainable manner but also to leave a positive, lasting impact on the communities we visit,” says Rainer. “From supporting local economies to minimizing our ecological footprint, every journey with HX is an opportunity to make a difference.”
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