New technologies on expedition cruises are making it possible to offer completely different experiences with less environmental impact. Jeremy Clubb, founder and expert at Antarctica Cruises, explains which tools and technologies are changing the way we explore the polar regions, from energy reuse to silent Zodiacs.
The new generation of expedition cruise ships intelligently generates, stores, and reuses energy
A leading example of the new era of expedition cruises is the innovative technology on the Captain Arctic, operated by Selar. This vessel features five rigid sails covered with solar panels that harness wind and solar energy to power the ship and reduce fuel consumption. It also has a reinforced hull designed for navigating through ice. According to the company, this system can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional yachts. This ship, which will begin its voyages in northern Norway in November 2026 and will sail to Svalbard from March to August 2027 and to Greenland from September to October 2027, sets the standard for the next generation of expedition cruises.
At the other end of the spectrum, another benchmark is Antarctica21’s hybrid-electric expedition vessel, the Magellan Discoverer. Built at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, the vessel is equipped with ABB Azipod propulsion units that can rotate 360 degrees, improving maneuverability and efficiency. Its hybrid propulsion system, powered by onboard batteries, is designed to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and noise—among other benefits—by allowing the engines to be shut down to ensure quiet operation in environmentally sensitive areas. The ship will make its debut during the 2026–2027 Antarctic season, with a capacity for 76 passengers, and will operate expeditions that combine flights to Antarctica with exploration cruises.
"The expedition cruise industry is undergoing a major transformation. Today, innovation is focused on reducing environmental impact through technologies such as hybrid propulsion, solar-powered sails, the reuse of heat generated by engines, and dynamic positioning systems, which avoid anchoring in sensitive areas. These solutions make expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica increasingly efficient and environmentally responsible.
"Innovation is no longer just about going further, but about doing so in a more responsible way, preserving the environment for future generations of travelers and wildlife," says Jeremy Clubb.
The New Era of Silent Zodiacs
One of the technological advancements with the greatest environmental impact is the introduction of electric Zodiacs. Zodiacs are smaller, rigid inflatable boats designed to navigate shallow waters; expedition cruises use them to navigate bays and facilitate shore landings, with the aim of offering passengers a more immersive experience in the polar regions.
The technology behind the silent Zodiacs lies in the RAD 40 motor, which was designed from the ground up to maximize the benefits of electric propulsion, delivering 40 kW of continuous power and featuring a 400 W architecture compatible with fast charging. It stands out for its compact design, ultra-low maintenance, and ability to withstand extreme conditions such as those in the Arctic and Antarctica. In October 2025, the shipping company HX Expeditions became one of the first polar operators to use all-electric Zodiacs for scientific research.
The main goal is to reduce the vibrations and noise pollution that traditional Zodiacs can cause. Marine mammals rely on sound to feed and communicate; therefore, cruise operators are committed to reducing noise to protect the marine ecosystem and offer travelers a more natural experience.
“With less noise, travelers and scientific researchers can have a better experience by being able to hear everything from the sounds of nature to the cracking of ice and observe birds and whales behaving more naturally. While most Zodiacs are still gasoline-powered, in the coming years we’ll see cruise lines gradually invest in and adopt this new and necessary technology for silent Zodiacs,” explains Jeremy Clubb, founder and expert at Antarctica Cruises.
Hydrophones and Sensors as Exploration Tools
Improving navigation practices is one of the main goals of cruise lines, and one way to achieve this is by studying the sounds of the ocean. With the rise of exploration cruises and growing concerns about the environmental impact on the ocean, the cruise industry, researchers, and marine scientists are working together to use the latest technology and identify ways to reduce that environmental impact.
Hydrophones on boats not only allow us to hear whale songs, but also enable us to measure noise pollution and analyze how marine mammals react to passing ships. One of the most innovative and sustainable projects is Sound Cruising, organized by HX Expeditions, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and Aarhus University.
As part of the project, two acoustic recording stations were installed last summer in the Smeerenburg and Hornsund fjords in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, in the Arctic. Researchers used portable hydrophones in various operations at different locations and combined the recordings with ship tracking data to analyze the impact of marine traffic. The goal is to design practical measures to reduce underwater noise and thereby protect Arctic marine ecosystems. These advances allow operators to continue offering travelers unique experiences and connections while respecting the marine ecosystem with minimal environmental impact.
Another use for hydrophones on exploration cruises is Ponant’s Blue Eye rooms, which are located in the water at a depth of 3 meters and allow passengers to hear, in real time, the songs of whales, the sounds of fish, and the movement of ice. These rooms remain one of the most cutting-edge innovations for getting a closer look at marine life in the most remote locations.
Submersibles that descend 300 meters into the twilight zone in search of giant jellyfish
There is a desire to explore further, to venture into the depths of the ocean, and to access largely unexplored ecosystems. That desire is made possible by the submersibles operated by exploration cruise lines. Diving to depths of 300 meters or more as part of exploration voyages has become a viable experience for travelers and, above all, a more common way to gather useful information for marine research.
Furthermore, a decade ago, innovation meant going farther, but today polar exploration using modern submersibles focuses on reaching greater depths, which yields greater scientific knowledge and allows travelers to connect with the ocean through a unique experience. Some of the leading expedition cruise operators that are incorporating this new way of exploring with cutting-edge technology include Scenic, Viking Expeditions, and Seabourn. Next-generation submersibles are equipped with 4K and 8K cameras, high-powered LED lighting, environmental sensors, robotic arms, and systems for capturing scientifically valuable imagery—but above all, they enable responsible exploration. The depth reached depends on the submersible: some models used on cruises have a maximum depth of about 100 meters, while others can reach depths of about 300 meters.
“Electric submersibles generate little noise, produce no direct underwater emissions, and allow us to explore the most unknown region of the planet: the mesopelagic zone—also known as the twilight zone—which lies between 200 and 1,000 meters below the sea. Those who can reach this depth will witness some of the most extraordinary species on the planet, from bioluminescent fish and giant jellyfish to colonies of siphonophores and cephalopods,” explains Jeremy Clubb.
Interest in cruises to polar regions continues to grow, and it is increasingly important for the industry to adopt measures that help protect the environment while also allowing travelers to enjoy these destinations in a more responsible manner that respects local wildlife and ecosystems.
