MS Greg Mortimer

• Antarctica

Like all our partners, the operator of this ship is a member of IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

For decades, the IAATO has been committed to ensuring that travel to Antarctica is conducted responsibly. Members are required to adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that every expedition respects and preserves the fragile ecosystem of the polar regions. From maintaining a safe distance from penguins to strict biosecurity measures, every detail of your trip is designed to protect this special place for future generations.

What does this mean for you? It means that your adventure is linked to the highest standards of sustainability, wildlife protection, and preservation of the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica.

• Arctic

The Arctic, with its fascinating wilderness and unique wildlife, is also under special protection. The operator of this ship is also a member of the AECO, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. Just like the IAATO in Antarctica, the AECO is committed to ensuring that expeditions in the Arctic are conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner.

AECO develops strict guidelines to preserve the Arctic's sensitive ecosystems, whether by preventing pollution, protecting wildlife such as polar bears and walruses, or promoting respect for the region's indigenous communities. As part of this initiative, all members work closely together to ensure that even the most remote and untouched places in the Arctic remain intact.

• Other commitments:

Our expedition provider goes far beyond the strict requirements of IAATO and AECO and is passionately committed to additional sustainability initiatives. These include, for example:

• Voluntary CO2 compensation through climate protection projects: The expedition provider has offset all greenhouse gas emissions generated by its activities. This includes both the company's direct emissions and those generated along the entire supply chain. Unavoidable emissions are offset by supporting carbon sequestration projects.

• Science-Based Targets: The company has developed an emissions reduction plan based on science-based targets—targets that climate science considers necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

• B Corp certification: B Corp certification confirms that the company goes beyond the usual requirements and is committed to the highest social and environmental standards. This award recognizes not only a commitment to sustainable practices, but also the transparency and responsibility that play a role in every decision.

• The ship Greg Mortimer uses advanced, environmentally friendly technologiesthat optimize energy consumption and minimize the ecological footprint:
  • A dynamic anchoring system allows the ship to remain in place without dropping a heavy anchor to the seabed and damaging the seafloor. This innovative technology protects sensitive underwater environments, especially in shallow waters, from damage. However, energy is still required to keep the ship moving, which can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The solution? The dynamic anchoring system is used in sensitive areas, while the traditional anchor is used in less sensitive regions to minimize fuel consumption.
  • So-called biodigesters convert leftover food, such as peelings, scraps, and other organic waste, into water. The process, known as anaerobic digestion, takes place in a special biodigester, where tiny microorganisms break down the organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. The result? An efficient conversion of waste into useful resources.
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems ensure that conditions on board are always comfortable—both in terms of temperature and air quality. Optimizing these systems with intelligent controls, variable speeds, and energy-efficient motors specifically reduces energy consumption. Automation and smart controls enable precise monitoring and adjustment of temperature, humidity, and air quality – exactly when it is needed. This means that no energy is wasted and consumption is reduced to a minimum, especially during periods of low demand.
  • Reverse osmosis water system: The reverse osmosis system converts seawater into drinkable fresh water, providing a continuous, sustainable source of water. By reducing dependence on fresh water in ports, this system makes an important contribution to water conservation and ensures a self-sufficient water supply on board.
  • The ship is equipped with shore power technology, which allows it to dispense with fuel while in port and instead draw electricity from the local grid. This helps to reduce emissions, particularly in regions with a high proportion of renewable energies. However, many remote ports still lack the infrastructure to make full use of this technology. The company is committed to further expanding these opportunities.
  • Ulstein X-Bow design: The special shape of the ship's bow, known as the X-Bow, ensures that the ship cuts through the waves instead of slamming into them. This reduces drag in the water, saves fuel, and ensures a smoother ride. At the same time, vibrations and noise are reduced, which increases comfort for passengers and protects sensitive marine life.
  • Heat recovery system: The heat recovery system makes clever use of excess heat generated by the ship's engine. This waste heat, which would otherwise be lost unused, is used to heat the cabins and warm the water tanks on board. This technology reduces energy consumption by efficiently reusing existing resources.

• Plastic avoidance: On board, guests will find drinking water refill stations that allow them to refill their reusable aluminum bottles—without any unnecessary plastic. Single-use plastics such as cups, straws, and stirrers are a thing of the past—they have been replaced by sustainable alternatives. Cleaning products are purchased in bulk and stored in reusable containers to minimize packaging waste.

• Clean Up Svalbard and Clean Up Iceland: The expedition operator is proud to be part of two pioneering initiatives –Clean Up Svalbardand Clean Up Iceland. Together with other AECO members and local organizations, this initiative is passionately committed to removing waste from the pristine beaches of Svalbard and Iceland. Every summer, special clean-up expeditions are organized, during which guides and passengers clear the coasts of plastic and waste, thus contributing to the protection of nature.

• Citizen science programs: During the voyage, passengers can actively participate in citizen science initiatives such as the Happywhale Project, seabird surveys, microplastic research, phytoplankton monitoring, and marine biodiversity surveys, thereby contributing directly to scientific research and nature conservation. They take photos of whales, count seabirds, collect microplastic samples, and measure phytoplankton density in the ocean. All the information collected is entered into databases that help researchers learn more about wildlife and the environment and monitor changes in the ecosystem.

• Education and awareness: On board, a team of experts consisting of marine biologists, glaciologists, mountaineers, and environmental scientists accompany guests on their journey. With live observations, exciting explanations, and stories, they open up new perspectives on the vast ice landscapes and fragile ecosystem of Antarctica.

• Support for the protection of polar regions: The company works closely with the Ocean Geographic Society (OGS) on various projects, including the Antarctic Climate Expedition (ACE) in February 2023. Together, they organized a world premiere in which influencers traveled to Antarctica to raise awareness of global warming and formulate climate protection resolutions.

• Unterstützung lokaler Gemeinschaften: Um eine tiefere und bedeutungsvolle Verbindung mit den Inuit-Gemeinschaften der Arktis zu schaffen, wurde eine Partnerschaft mit dem Oxen Network’s Community Ambassador Program für ausgewählte Reisen in Grönland und den Nordwestpassage ins Leben gerufen. Das Programm fördert die Teilnahme der Inuit-Gemeinschaftsmitglieder an Expeditionskreuzfahrten, sodass sie ihre Kultur und Erfahrungen mit den Reisenden teilen können, die aus aller Welt zu ihren Ahnenheimaten kommen. Die Hauptziele dieses Programms sind, den wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Nutzen für die Inuit zu fördern, einen kulturellen Austausch zwischen den Reisenden und der Gemeinschaft zu ermöglichen und das Bewusstsein innerhalb der Gemeinden zu stärken.