AECO members have agreed on new measures to strengthen emissions reporting and the association’s shared knowledge base at the Annual General Meeting on October 23, concluding the largest Arctic Expedition Cruise Week to date.

At AECO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), members approved a common fuel-reporting framework providing standardized data within AECO’s geographical area. The data will help establish an emissions baseline, track developments over time, and improve knowledge of greenhouse-gas emissions from expedition cruise operations.

Members also agreed to strengthen the systematic sharing of information, environmental knowledge and social and economic impacts. Building on AECO’s existing work and member expertise, the decision will strengthen the association’s ability to provide fact-based information about expedition cruise activities and their impacts.

“AECO’s members hold a great deal of knowledge about expedition cruise operations across the Arctic. By strengthening how we share and bring together that knowledge, we can provide an even stronger factual basis for discussions about our industry,” said Frigg Jørgensen, AECO’s executive director.

The decisions concluded a week that brought together operators, destination representatives, researchers, authorities, and other stakeholders to discuss community well-being, environmental management, scientific research, destination development, and expedition cruise operations.

Record Arctic Expedition Cruise Week

The week included four main events, starting with Meet the Destinations and Market Place that attracted more exhibitors than ever before, bringing together destinations, businesses, and operators to explore opportunities to collaborate.

The Arctic Cruise Conference was attended by more than 200 participants, making it the biggest to date. The Annual Dinner, that also attracted more gusest than previous years, was organized and sponsored by AECO member Silversea, while the AGM was extended by an additional day, allowing more time for in-depth discussions on issues facing the expedition cruise industry.

The program also included a reception at Oslo City Hall, where Mayor Anne Lindboe extended a warm welcome to the participants and reflected on Oslo’s long history and close connection to the sea.

Arctic Communities and Responsible Tourism in Focus

Sessions examined tourism’s impact on Arctic communities, including local well-being, growing visitor activity, and stronger community-industry relationships.

Environmental management and science-informed operations were also key themes, with discussions on underwater noise, wastewater, and translating research into operational measures.

Updates from Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, and Nunavut provided perspectives on developments across AECO’s operating areas.

These discussions, together with the AGM decisions, emphasized the role of data, research, and operational experience in strengthening knowledge about expedition cruise activity in the Arctic.

“The week provided an opportunity to discuss issues that matter to both our members and the destinations where they operate,” said Jørgensen. “Community relations, environmental impacts, and scientific knowledge are all areas where collaboration and shared approaches are increasingly important. Arctic Expedition Cruise Week is a key forum for bringing those perspectives together.”

Photo Gallery

View photos from Arctic Expedition Cruise Week on here.

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CONTACT
Jon Engenes, Head of Communications
Email: jon@aeco.no

Last update: 27. October 2026