MS Ocean Albatros & MS Ocean Victory

• 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 pledge 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 subject to 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:

• The Ocean Victory relies on several sustainable technologies, which both protect the environment and increase efficiency:
  • 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.
  • Tier III engines: Tier III refers to a particularly strict emissions standard set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which stipulates how much harmful exhaust gas an engine is allowed to produce. Tier III engines that meet this standard drastically reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These NOx gases pollute the air and exacerbate the greenhouse effect. This technology improves air quality and minimizes environmental impact.
  • Electric Propulsion: Thanks to advanced electric motors, the ship glides through the water almost silently. This technology not only reduces energy consumption but also ensures more environmentally friendly travel with minimal emissions. At the same time, the quiet voyage offers passengers an undisturbed experience and protects Antarctica’s sensitive wildlife from unnecessary noise.
• Reducing Plastic Use: Single-use plastic is a thing of the past—instead, guests are provided with reusable metal bottles. The bathrooms are equipped with wall-mounted dispensers for soap and shampoo, eliminating the need for single-use items.

• Ethical Standards: A supplier code of conduct ensures that all suppliers adhere to key values—such as the prohibition of child labor, the guarantee of fair wages, regulated working hours, and the freedom to form unions.

• Sustainable Products Onboard: Only Fairtrade coffee and tea are served onboard .Fairtrade means that these products are produced under fair conditions for workers in the countries where they are grown—they receive fair wages and work in safe, humane conditions. In addition, uniforms are made from organically grown cotton—an environmentally friendly choice that does not rely on chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The personal care products are also free of parabens and allergens to protect both the skin and the environment.

• Sustainable cuisine: Only seafood bearing the MSC label is served on board. The MSC label stands for the“Marine Stewardship Council,”a globally recognized certification for sustainable fishing. It ensures that the seafood comes from sources that do not harm the oceans. This means that fishing is conducted in a way that prevents overfishing and protects marine ecosystems.

• Supporting Local Communities: The provider partners with local hotels, restaurants, and guides to strengthen the regional economy. Proceeds from onboard activities go directly to verified regional projects to create local jobs and bring economic benefits directly to the community.

• Respectful Encounters: All trips are led by experienced tour guides and expedition staff, most of whom speak the local languages and are particularly knowledgeable about local conditions. This ensures that good working conditions are maintained on site and that cultural encounters take place in the right spirit, without negatively impacting local communities. Before visiting communities, we always seek the advice and consent of the local people, and we maintain an ongoing dialogue regarding the nature and frequency of our visits.

• Education and Awareness: Lectures by scientists and expedition teams provide information on environmental protection, cultural diversity, and the importance of the polar regions to promote responsible travel.

• Financial Support for the Protection of the Polar Regions: This ship has a fundraising program that supports projects that have a positive impact on the regions where the company operates. Through raffles, auctions, and fundraising campaigns, numerous initiatives have already been supported, such as the Ocean Youth Academy, the South Georgia Heritage Trust, Plastic Change, Hookpod, and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

• Clean Up Svalbard: The expedition operator is proud to be part of the pioneeringClean Up Svalbardinitiative. Together with other AECO members and local organizations, this initiative is passionately committed to removing waste from the pristine beaches of Svalbard. Every summer, special clean-up expeditions are organized, during which guests actively participate in ridding the coastline of plastic and other waste. These joint efforts have already resulted in around 20 tons of waste being removed from the beaches of Svalbard every summer in recent years.

• Energy Efficiency in the Office: The office is powered by wind energy. The exact amount of clean energy from renewable sources that corresponds to the office’s electricity consumption is fed into the grid—a 1:1 balance that covers the entire energy demand. In addition, energy-saving LEDs are used, which consume less electricity and have a longer service life. Ventilation timers ensure that the ventilation systems run only when they are actually needed. Recycled paper is also used to minimize the use of virgin raw materials. Paper, cardboard, glass, and aluminum are carefully sorted to increase the recycling rate.

• Diversity and Employee Well-Being: The expedition provider promotes a diverse work environment and offers equal opportunities to all employees, regardless of gender or background. The company offers part-time positions for employees who wish to balance work with family or school. To support employee health, the company offers private health insurance that also covers employees’ children and ensures that employees receive 80% of their salary in the event of illness. In addition, stress prevention courses and wellness programs—such as yoga classes and massages—are offered regularly to promote well-being and improve working conditions.