HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) Wins Prestigious Sustainability Award

Recognised as a Sustainability Leader in Expedition Travel

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world’s oldest expedition cruise operator, has been honoured with the 2024 “ESG Transparency Award” by the European Sustainability Initiative. The accolade, presented during the prestigious European Sustainability Week in Bonn, Germany, acknowledges HX’s pioneering efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) transparency and its industry-leading sustainability initiatives.

HX was also named the top company in the “Excellence Class”, a category reserved for organisations that demonstrate exceptional ESG practices. This recognition further cements HX’s reputation as a global trailblazer in sustainable tourism and transparency.

A Celebration of Leadership in Sustainability

HX’s CEO, Gebhard Rainer, attended the award ceremony at the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel & Spa in Bonn. Reflecting on the achievement, he remarked:

 “This recognition validates our commitment to building a sustainable future. 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.”

Accepting the award was Tudor Morgan, HX’s Vice President of Sustainability and Industry Relations, who emphasised the company’s broader mission:

 “At HX, we believe that true leadership goes beyond exploration — it’s about charting a course for a better, more sustainable future. Winning 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.”

What is the ESG Transparency Award?

The ESG Transparency Award is awarded based on the stringent ESG Transparency Evaluation Standard, which assesses companies across five critical pillars:

 • Transparency

 • Environmental Impact

 • Social Responsibility

 • Corporate Governance

 • Compliance

HX received the highest score, earning the top honour in the Excellence Class, recognising its innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Key Achievements Highlighted in HX’s ESG Report

In its annual ESG Report, published every April, HX outlined groundbreaking advancements, including:

1. Innovative Green Technology

• Launched the world’s first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship in 2019.

• Eliminated heavy fuel oil across its fleet in 2009.

• Banned single-use plastics onboard in 2018.

2. Emissions Reduction

• Fleet equipped with advanced green technologies such as battery packs, energy-efficient hull designs, and heat recovery systems.

• Achieved a 20% reduction in emissions and committed to shore power to reduce port emissions

3. Measured Sustainability Metrics

• 18% reduction in Scope 1 CO2 emissions per passenger night since 2022.

• 51% reduction in NOx emissions and 47% reduction in SOx emissions.

• 30% reduction in waste per guest and 16% reduction in water consumption.

4. Commitment to Local Communities

• Supported 44 communities worldwide through the HX Foundation, funding sustainable development projects.

• Sourced 84% of food and beverages regionally, strengthening local economies.

A Vision for Sustainable Travel

“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” said Rainer. “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. From supporting local economies to minimising our ecological footprint, every journey with HX is an opportunity to make a difference.”

Learn More

For further information about HX’s sustainability initiatives and to read their full ESG Report, visit the official Hurtigruten Expeditions website.

Discover more about the European Sustainability Initiative and its awards here.

HX continues to lead the way in sustainable expedition travel, proving that exploration and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.