AECO is committed to conducting expedition cruises with the utmost respect for the natural environment and cultural heritage, striving to minimize any negative impact. We achieve this through the implementation of guidelines, tools, standards, and environmental initiatives.

Focus Areas

Nature and Wildlife

Observing wildlife in its natural habitat without disturbance is an incredible experience. To protect these environments, our members are required to adhere to wildlife guidelines for walrus, seals, reindeer, Arctic fox, birds, polar bears and cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). Additionally, AECO has established site specific guidelines and  biosecurity guidelines to prevent the introduction of alien species in the Arctic.

Climate Change and Emissions

AECO’s members recognize their role in contributing to climate change and are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, they agreed to develop a climate strategy, and in 2024, they voted to commit to tracking and reducing their GHG emissions. AECO provides operators with guidance on how they can work towards this reduction.

Beach Cleanups

For over 20 years, AECO’s members have actively engaged in Arctic cleanup initiatives, witnessing an increasing growth of garbage washing ashore on the region’s beaches. AECO members have been part of Clean Up Svalbard since the project began and launched Clean Up Iceland in 2023. 

and has

Reducing Single-Use Plastic 

In 2018, AECO strengthened the efforts to combat marine plastic pollution by launching the Clean Seas project. Through this initiative, members have significantly reduced the use of single-use plastics on their vessels.

AECO also focuses on educating passengers and staff about how to prevent plastic pollution.

Fuel

Years prior to the International Maritime Organization’s decision, AECO members took the initiative to voluntarily prohibit the use and transportation of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in the Arctic. Additionally, AECO was an early supporter of the Arctic Commitment, which seeks to phase out the use of polluting HFO in Arctic shipping.

Underwater Noise

Shipping activities raise concerns regarding the impact of underwater noise on marine wildlife, which play a crucial role in Arctic ecosystems and Inuit subsistence. AECO actively engages in projects and initiatives aimed at collecting data on the underwater noise produced by ships and its effects on marine life. The information supports informed marine spatial planning and resource management decisions.

Wastewater

AECO’s members participate in studies aimed at improving the understanding of how wastewater—including scrubber wash water, greywater, and sewage—is managed on vessels operating in the Arctic.

Avian Influenza

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in Europe in the fall of 2020. AECO provides its members with information about the virus, including how to identify HPAI in birds and mammals, regional guidelines for minimizing its spread, and procedures for reporting observations.

AECO Projects

Last update: 05. November 2024