As HX Expeditions celebrates nearly 130 years of pioneering exploration, the company is once again reshaping how travelers experience the polar regions. The world’s oldest expedition cruise line has unveiled two fully electric “silent science boats” designed to minimize underwater noise pollution and enhance scientific research in fragile environments like Antarctica and the Arctic.
The new MK 5 vessels, equipped with RAD Propulsion’s advanced RAD 40 drive system, are now operating aboard HX’s ships MS Fram and MS Fridtjof Nansen, the latter already known for its hybrid-battery technology. These electric boats mark a significant step forward in the brand’s commitment to sustainable travel, replacing traditional fuel-based Zodiacs with cleaner, quieter alternatives.
The initiative is more than just a technological upgrade – it’s part of HX’s long-term mission to protect marine ecosystems and support ongoing research in some of the planet’s most delicate habitats. “Sound pollution is one of the most underestimated environmental impacts in these polar regions,” said Dr. Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at HX. “For wildlife under the surface, especially whales, noise can mean the difference between thriving and struggling.”
By removing the roar of combustion engines, these boats offer a new kind of silence – one that allows travelers and scientists to observe marine life without interference. The vessels are compliant with IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) standards, ensuring that every aspect of their design supports environmental integrity and operational safety.
Transforming Science and Exploration
The impact of HX’s new electric boats extends beyond sustainability – it’s also transforming how polar science is conducted. Dr. Ari Friedlaender, a renowned marine biologist and long-time HX collaborator, said the shift will fundamentally improve fieldwork: “The silence of these vessels compared to traditional engines allows us to approach whales with far less disturbance, making our observations more natural. It’s a game-changer for science in these remote environments.”
Guests aboard HX voyages will now experience the same technology that supports cutting-edge research. The electric Zodiacs will be used not only for scientific teams but also for travelers participating in Citizen Science programs, allowing them to engage directly in wildlife monitoring and oceanographic data collection. From tracking biodiversity to photographing penguin colonies, these expeditions blend authentic adventure with environmental purpose.
HX’s Chief Operating Officer, Iain McNeill, described the initiative as the beginning of a “fleet-wide transformation.” Over time, the company plans to phase out all traditional combustion-engine boats, replacing them with clean, electric options. “These new vessels allow our teams and guests to conduct wildlife observations and biodiversity studies with minimal acoustic interference,” he said.
The move reflects a growing shift within expedition cruising – toward experiences that are not only immersive but also responsible. As the company approaches its 130th anniversary, HX continues to blend exploration with conservation, ensuring that the wonders of the poles can be experienced without leaving a heavy footprint.
For HX Expeditions, silence is now the new sound of discovery.
