Key Facts:
· Sturdy, safe and stable, these easy-to manoeuvre Soft Inflatable Boats (SIBs) are operated by highly trained drivers and seat 8-16 guests, depending on the boat type and activity.
· They feature a lightweight hull and inflatable pontoons that provide stability, buoyancy and shock absorption for a smoother ride.
· HX Expeditions drivers undergo a thorough in-house training programme, learning beach and stern landings, and safety procedures. They adhere to strict guidelines and regulations from organisations such as IAATO and AECO.
· Designed to minimise underwater noise pollution, these MK 5 vessels are fitted with RAD Propulsion's RAD 40 drive system, one of the most advanced electric outboard motors on the market.
· Currently operating aboard MS Fram and MS Fridtjof Nansen in the Arctic and Antarctic, these boats are part of HX's ongoing sustainability efforts.
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.
The new HX electric zodiac science boats
"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.
Please see imagery here: HX Expeditions Electric Zodiacs
About us:
About HX HX, the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company has been guiding curious travellers on mindful adventures since 1896. With headquarters in London and a global team of just under 1,000 professionals, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. Renowned for its pole-to-pole expeditions, HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences.
Pioneering in sustainability, HX was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, ban single-use unnecessary plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid cruise ships. The company also supports scientific research, donating over 1,900 free cruise nights to onboard scientists, and runs the HX Foundation, providing grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation.
