Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Wed October 22, 2025
WHY IT RATES: HX Expeditions is launching two new fully electric 'silent science boats' to minimize underwater noise in the Arctic and Antarctic, enhancing wildlife observation while reducing environmental impact. These boats, equipped with RAD Propulsion's advanced drive system, are part of a mission to phase out traditional petroleum engines, aligning with IAATO regulations. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor
HX Expeditions, the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, and the leading provider in Antarctica expeditions, is proud to announce the launch of two new ‘silent science boats’ powered by electricity and designed to minimise underwater noise pollution. The two new MK 5 vessels are fully electric and feature RAD Propulsion’s RAD 40 drive system, the most advanced electric drives on the market. They will now be found on two HX ships, MS Fram and hybrid-battery powered MS Fridtjof Nansen, operating in the Arctic and Antarctic, where they will be used predominately for the ships’ science team, for guest science boats trips and for guest scientist conducting research.
As part of HX’s commitment to scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, and lower-impact exploration, the introduction of electric Zodiacs marks a major step toward phasing out traditional petroleum-based engines. These vessels enable silent discovery in remote destinations such as Antarctica, giving guest scientists, expedition teams, and travelling guests the rare opportunity to observe and study marine life with minimal disturbance.
“Sound pollution is one of the most underestimated environmental impacts in these polar regions,” says Dr. Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at HX. “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.”
Dr. Ari Friedlaender, renowned Marine Scientist and one of the HX Guest Scientists who has worked with HX for several years, added: “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. It’s a game-changer for science in these remote environments.”
Designed within the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) regulations, the new zodiacs align with all safety and environmental standards while taking a meaningful step toward a quieter future in exploration.
HX Chief Operating Officer Iain McNeill concluded: “These boats are equipped to transport small groups of our 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. This marks the beginning of a fleet-wide transformation. The long-term goal: to fully replace traditional combustion engine zodiacs with clean, electric alternatives across the HX fleet.”
Sam Pickering, Head of Products at RAD Propulsion added: "We’re proud to supply our RAD 40 power consoles for the MK 5 vessels, enabling fully electric operation in some of the world’s most sensitive and remote environments. Supporting clean, quiet operations in protected regions like the Arctic and Antarctica reflects our commitment to developing advanced marine propulsion systems that reduce environmental impact while delivering reliable, high-performance solutions for a wide range of applications."
As more guests embark on Citizen Science projects and wildlife studies, HX Expeditions remains committed to leading the charge in responsible exploration and supporting scientific discovery at every turn.
SOURCE: HX press release
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