One of the world’s most sustainable cruise ships is leading the way in environmentally conscious and cutting-edge expedition cruising.
SEATTLE — At first glance, the MS Fridtjof Nansen might look like another luxury cruise ship. Step inside, however, and it becomes clear that this is no ordinary cruise experience.
Operated by HX Expeditions, the Nansen is built for science and sustainability, combining hybrid-powered efficiency with Arctic and Antarctic research initiatives. The ship docks seasonally in Seattle, home to the company’s U.S. headquarters, before setting sail for remote destinations like Greenland and Antarctica.
“This ship really is kind of the next generation of expedition cruising,” said Steve Smotrys, HX’s Managing Director and Senior Vice President for the Americas. “It feeds into the curious traveler. We even donate about 2,000 nights a year to scientists who are doing active research onboard.”
The Nansen is equipped with a science center, giving researchers and guests the chance to work side by side. HX partners with organizations such as the California Ocean Alliance and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research, as well as universities including Western Washington University and La Universidad de los Andes.
“There is a lot of uncertainty and lack of knowledge around what Antarctica looks like or what happens there,” said marine scientist Ian Peck. “We’re able to fill that gap by producing data and really letting guests understand where they are and what’s going on around them in these extremely remote destinations.”
Scientists like Peck lead citizen science projects where passengers can gain hands-on experience, from NASA’s GLOBE cloud observation program and whale monitoring initiatives to collecting water and ice samples.
“Citizen science means that everybody can participate,” explained environmental scientist Mario Reichenbach. “Science communication is all about building a bridge for everybody to understand the importance of science. Why does it matter? How can you, as a normal person, collect data about different topics, and why is it important in terms of sustainability, biodiversity loss, and climate change?”
Designed to navigate ice up to roughly three feet thick, the Nansen operates on two advanced batteries that enable it to glide silently through polar seas, thereby protecting the fragile ecosystems it explores. Paired with forward bolt thrusters that can split ice as it moves, the ship can travel through some of the world’s most remote waters with minimal environmental impact.
“If we see wildlife on the ice, like a polar bear, we can stop and be completely silent — it’s just amazing,” said Captain Frank Martinson. “Every voyage reminds me how precious these ecosystems are. And every day, I get to see them from the best office view in the world.”
In the last year, the company says it has cut emissions by 25% and food waste by more than 50% to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and net zero by 2050.
“We see ourselves as having a responsibility as leaders in this space — not just for ourselves and our passengers, but to work with our competitors and the rest of the industry to push up environmental standards,” said Jim Sayer, HX’s Senior Vice President for Global Marketing.
For guests, Sayer says the journey offers more than breathtaking views. It’s a firsthand lesson in the fragility and resilience of Earth’s most extreme environments.
“Experiencing a destination firsthand, seeing it with your own eyes, and understanding it is the most powerful way to inspire advocacy and change,” Sayer said.