HX adds two fully electric Zodiacs to polar fleet
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has bolstered its sustainability credentials with the addition of two new electric Zodiacs
The two fully electric MK 5 boats feature RAD Propulsion’s RAD 40 system – one of the most advanced electric drives available.
The vessels join MS Fram and hybrid-powered MS Fridtjof Nansen in polar waters ahead of the organisation’s 130th anniversary. They’ll support science teams, guest research trips, and visiting scientists in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The launch of electric Zodiacs is also a key step in HX’s move away from petrol-powered engines. The line said the move supports its commitment to scientific integrity, environmental responsibility, and low-impact exploration.
These silent electric vessels allow for near-zero disturbance when observing marine life in remote polar regions. They offer guest scientists, expedition teams, and travellers a quieter, more sustainable way to explore.
Verena Meraldi, chief scientist at HX, said: “Sound pollution is one of the most underestimated environmental impacts in these polar regions. For wildlife under the surface – especially whales – noise can mean the difference between thriving and struggling. With these silent boats added to our hybrid-electric ships, we’re not just enhancing the experience for our guest scientists and guests; we’re reducing our environmental footprint in the places that need it most.”
Marine scientist Ari Friedlaender, who is also one of the guest scientists with HX, added: “It’s a game-changer for science in these remote environments. Conducting research from HX’s new electric Zodiacs will transform the way I can study whales in Antarctica. The silence of these vessels compared to traditional engines allows us to approach wildlife with far less disturbance, making our observations more natural.”
HX COO Iain McNeill commented: “This marks the beginning of a fleet-wide transformation.These boats are equipped to transport small groups. These comprise of guest scientists, our science team and our guests who are all conducting wildlife observations, oceanographic research, and biodiversity studies – now with a fraction of the acoustic interference.”
McNeill reiterates that the long-term goal is to fully replace traditional combustion engine zodiacs with clean, electric alternatives across the HX fleet.
