HX Expeditions has unveiled two new fully electric “silent science boats,” designed to reduce underwater noise pollution and enhance low-impact research in polar regions. The vessels, known as MK 5 models, are equipped with RAD Propulsion’s RAD 40 drive system, an advanced electric propulsion technology that allows for near-silent operation.
The new craft will be deployed aboard MS Fram and the hybrid-powered MS Fridtjof Nansen, both of which operate in the Arctic and Antarctic. They will primarily serve HX’s onboard science teams and guest researchers, supporting a range of oceanographic, wildlife, and biodiversity studies. The shift to electric-powered boats forms part of the company’s broader effort to eliminate petroleum-based engines and promote sustainable exploration practices.
HX’s scientific leadership noted that underwater sound pollution remains one of the most significant but often overlooked environmental pressures in polar ecosystems. Reduced noise levels, particularly in sensitive areas inhabited by whales and other marine life, are expected to minimise disruption and enable more natural behavioural observations.
The vessels have been constructed in accordance with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) safety and environmental standards. Their introduction aligns with HX’s long-term strategy to transition to quieter, lower-emission operations across its fleet.
According to HX, the silent science boats will allow both scientists and guests to conduct research and wildlife observation with minimal acoustic interference, marking a new phase in responsible expedition travel and data collection in some of the world’s most fragile environments.