MS Sea Spirit

• 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:

• The Sea Spirit ship uses advanced, environmentally friendly technologiesthat optimize energy consumption and minimize the ecological footprint:
  • Modern wastewater treatment system: The ship uses state-of-the-art wastewater treatment technology that removes harmful substances through chemical treatment and renders them harmless. The result is clean water that can be safely discharged into the sea without harming the environment. Solids are collected in special tanks and disposed of on land for further processing.
  • 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.
  • Advanced stabilization technology: The new Rolls-Royce stabilizers on board ensure that the ship remains steady even in rough waters. They reduce the unpleasant rocking of the ship and minimize vibrations and noise.
  • LED lighting on board significantly reduces power consumption, extends the service life of the lamps, and minimizes maintenance requirements.
  • Speed optimization: The ship is operated at an efficient speed that is adjusted to minimize fuel consumption. By choosing the right speed, the ship can consume less energy and reduce emissions at the same time.
  • Weather routing: Weather routing technologies are used to plan the optimal route by incorporating current weather conditions into the decision. This allows the most efficient and fuel-efficient routes to be found, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
  • Regular hull cleaning: A clean ship hull reduces water resistance, allowing the ship to travel using less energy. This regular maintenance reduces fuel consumption, contributing to energy efficiency and environmental protection.

• Sustainable food: On board, care is taken to ensure that seafood comes from sustainable sources. The chefs follow the guidelines of the Marine Stewardship Council, an organization that is deeply committed to protecting fish stocks and preserving marine ecosystems.

• Waste management: Waste is managed in an environmentally friendly manner on board through a combination of reduction at source, recycling, onboard processing, and discharge at port facilities. No waste is incinerated; instead, a shredder reduces the volume of waste, which is then separated by type and disposed of in accordance with local and international regulations.

• Plastic avoidance: Plastic straws, plastic stirrers, and disposable packaging for butter and jam are not used on board. All guests receive a reusable drinking bottle to further reduce plastic waste. In addition, large dispensers for shower gel, shampoo, and soap are used to minimize the consumption of plastic bottles.

• 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.

• Citizen science programs: During the voyage, passengers have the opportunity to actively participate in various citizen science projects, thereby making a valuable contribution to scientific research. This participation enables guests to gain valuable insights into the delicate balance of the Earth.
  • In the GLOBE Clouds project, passengers help document cloud observations in remote polar regions. This data is sent to NASA and used to study climate change.
  • With Happywhale, guests can take photos of marine mammals to support the photo identification of whales and seals. High-quality images help answer questions about the population, migration, and lifespan of these animals.

• Education and awareness: A team of polar specialists, including marine biologists, climate researchers, and conservationists, accompanies guests with lectures and briefings to deepen their understanding of polar ecosystems and promote wildlife conservation. Guests are encouraged to actively participate in environmental initiatives and return home as ambassadors for these fragile environments.

• Support for polar research: By donating places on several trips each year, the expedition provider supports the Oceanites organization, which takes researchers to Antarctica to count and document bird nesting sites. During the trip, the company helps organize an auction to raise money for Oceanites' work and provides passengers with information to enable them to make additional donations to this valuable research.

• Support for the protection of polar regions: The expedition provider works closely with Polar Bears International, an organization dedicated to habitat conservation, research promotion, and the protection of the polar bear population.

• Supporting local communities: When visiting Greenland and other regions, the company supports local suppliers and promotes culture by visiting museums, research stations, and souvenir shops.