AECO Receives New Funding for Arctic Cruise Emissions Work

The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators has received NOK 400,000 from the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund to continue efforts to reduce emissions from expedition cruise operations. Including earlier support, the fund’s investment in AECO’s Climate Change Project now totals NOK 1 million.

The latest project period will run through February 2028. Planned work includes strengthening emissions reporting among AECO members, examining whether Arctic ports and infrastructure are prepared for the maritime energy transition, and developing practical emissions-reduction guidance.

Activities scheduled for 2026 through 2028 include creating performance indicators, analyzing emissions data, revising guidance materials, and assessing Arctic ports’ readiness to provide alternative fuels and shore power.

The project’s 2023–2025 phase received NOK 600,000. According to AECO, that work produced its members’ first greenhouse gas emissions baseline, an emissions-reduction roadmap, an initial footprint assessment and a framework for future fuel reporting.

AECO members adopted a Climate Commitment in 2024. In 2025, they also agreed to work toward mandatory fuel reporting across the association’s membership.