New Grant Supports AECO’s Work to Reduce Expedition Cruise Emissions
Posted: 19 August. 2026
New funding will help AECO members improve emissions reporting and identify opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Arctic operations.
AECO has received NOK 400,000 from the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund to continue its work on reducing emissions from expedition cruise operations.
Together with previous funding, the Fund has invested NOK 1 million in AECO’s Climate Change Project.
Running through February 2028, the new project period will help AECO members strengthen emissions reporting, improve understanding of greenhouse gas emissions from expedition cruise operations, assess the readiness of Arctic ports and infrastructure for the maritime energy transition, and develop practical guidance to support further emissions reductions.
“We want to help our members better understand their climate footprint and identify practical opportunities to reduce emissions. Reliable data are essential for measuring progress, identifying opportunities, and supporting informed decision-making across the expedition cruise sector,” says Leoni Dickerhoff, AECO’s Acting Head of Operations.
AECO members adopted a Climate Commitment in 2024 and agreed in 2025 to work toward mandatory fuel reporting across the membership. These initiatives reflect a commitment to greater transparency and continuous improvement.
Besides developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and updated guidance materials for members, the project will examine operational and infrastructure challenges related to the maritime energy transition. A particular focus will be Arctic ports’ readiness to support alternative fuels and shore power solutions.
By strengthening the sector’s knowledge base and reporting practices, the project will help expedition cruise operators better understand their emissions, identify reduction opportunities, and support AECO’s broader goal of responsible Arctic tourism.
For further information
AECO Secretariat: aeco@aeco.no
Climate Change Project at a Glance
Previous results (2023-2025)
Key achievements:
- Established the first GHG emissions baseline for AECO members
- Developed AECO’s Climate Commitment
- Created a roadmap for emissions reductions
- Completed an initial footprint assessment
- Developed a framework for future fuel reporting
New activities (2026-2028)
Focus areas:
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Analyze emissions data
- Update guidance materials
- Assess Arctic ports’ readiness for alternative fuels and shore power
A Sector Already Taking Action
The Climate Change Project builds on a broader range of environmental initiatives undertaken by AECO members. Expedition cruise operators voluntarily phased out the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) years before the Arctic HFO ban entered into force.
AECO members have also led efforts to reduce marine litter through the Clean Seas program and continue to contribute to research and mitigation initiatives addressing underwater radiated noise and its impacts on Arctic marine ecosystems.
More information about AECO’s work on reducing GHG emissions is available on aeco.no.