MS Sjoveien

• Antarctica

Like all our partners, the operator of this ship isa 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 commit to following 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 thatyour 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 alsoa member of the AECO, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators.Just like the IAATO in Antarctica, the AECO in the Arctic is committed to ensuring that expeditions 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 offsets its emissions and invests in projects that actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gases. In cooperation with South Pole, all emissions—from flights and transportation to meals and hotel stays—are calculated and made transparent. The resulting CO2 emissions are offset by supporting projects that include, for example, reforestation, the expansion of renewable energies such as wind and solar energy, or the protection of CO2-storing forests.

• Small groups for minimal impact: The company focuses on small groups to minimize its impact on the environment. The MS Sjoveien can accommodate only 12 passengers, allowing for a more intimate and sustainable exploration of Spitsbergen. Small ships cause less noise and allow for a more cautious approach to animals, reducing their stress responses and disturbing their natural behavior less. Unlike large ships with hundreds of guests, these small ships significantly reduce disturbance to wildlife.

• 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 Spitsbergen. 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.

• Education and awareness: On their voyages, guests experience breathtaking nature, glaciers, icebergs, and fascinating wildlife. But the problem of litter also surprises many. Rubbish from all over the world is carried by ocean currents to Spitsbergen and ends up on the beaches. The company wants travellers to develop a deeper understanding of climate change and the challenges facing the polar regions after their return. The aim is for them to become ambassadors for nature conservation and to use their newly acquired knowledge to initiate changes in their own lifestyles.

• Support for the protection of polar regions: For every passenger traveling to Svalbard, the company pays NOK 150 (approx. EUR 13.50) to the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund. This fund supports projects that promote environmental protection in Svalbard. Since this fee was introduced in 2007, more than two million Swedish kronor (approx. EUR 180,000) has been raised for the protection of this unique region.

• Support for polar research: The expedition operator contributes to polar research by passing on data on sighted marine mammals to the Norwegian Polar Institute. In addition, one free place on an expedition is offered each year to give researchers or activists working for sustainable development the opportunity to visit the polar regions and promote their work.