Sustainability at Terra Nova
IMMERSED IN NATURE,
COMMITTED TO ITS FUTURE.
Antarctica demands more than admiration, it demands responsibility.
At Terra Nova, sustainability isn't a policy we publish. It's the lens through which every decision gets made: the ships we operate, the partners we choose, the number of passengers we carry, and the science we support along the way.
Our EARTH Programme sets out exactly what that commitment looks like in practice.
Our Sustainability Framework
Our EARTH
Programme
Five principles that guide every decision we make, from the ships we operate to the science we support.
Education for Exploration
Every passenger is briefed on Antarctic ecosystems and IAATO protocols before setting foot ashore.
Action for Climate
We actively support climate monitoring and offset programmes that go beyond regulatory compliance.
Reducing our Footprint
Small ships, small groups, fewer passengers per site means less impact per visit, every time.
Together for Communities
We invest in the sub-Antarctic and gateway communities that make polar expeditions possible.
Healthy Oceans
Strict biosecurity on every voyage, and active support for citizen science programmes at sea.
Our EARTH Programme isn't a statement of intent, it's an operating framework. It shapes how we select vessels, train our team, choose our partners, and conduct ourselves in some of the world's most sensitive environments.
We align our operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on five key areas where expedition travel can make a measurable difference.
As we continue to explore and craft transformative experiences for our guests, we remain firmly committed to our promise: to ensure that the beauty and wonder of these pristine environments are protected for generations to come.
Our vessels are selected and operated with environmental performance in mind. Highly efficient low-consumption engines, anti-fouling hull coatings to reduce drag and fuel use, reverse osmosis water systems, stabilisers for fuel efficiency, and onboard water stations to eliminate single-use plastics entirely.
These aren't add-ons, they're baseline requirements.
For the ultimate in low-impact expedition travel, Icebird carries just six passengers. The smallest possible footprint — and one of the most extraordinary ways to experience Antarctica.
SMALLER SHIPS,
LESS IMPACT.
At Terra Nova Expeditions, we believe smaller is better—for you and for the places we visit. Ships carrying over 140 passengers may offer the illusion of access, but the reality is less time ashore and greater pressure on fragile landing sites.
A 200-passenger vessel means 200 people on land. A 300-passenger ship? You guessed it—300 people ashore, resulting in more foot traffic through delicate ecosystems. Granted, all 200 or 300 aren’t there at once—but 300 people transiting a site over a three-hour period, compared to just 100, makes a significant difference. That’s more wildlife disturbance, more human presence, and greater wear on vulnerable terrain.
We proudly operate small ships such as the St Helena, because it means more time exploring for you, and less impact on the places we visit. With visitor numbers rising due to ever-larger vessels, we stand firmly with the polar community in working to keep Antarctica as it should be—not by bending the rules, but by respecting them.
That’s why we’re proud to be small.
100+ years of polar expertise
Committed to ethical travel
All activities included
UN Sustainable Development Goals
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4. Quality Education – Education for Exploration
We believe education is key to protecting the polar regions. Through partnerships, scholarships, and outreach, we support students and raise awareness about Antarctica’s vital ecosystems and climate role. Onboard, guests enjoy expert-led lectures, hands-on workshops, and citizen science projects. These immersive experiences foster curiosity and understanding, inspiring all ages to become ambassadors for the polar regions and advocates for their protection.
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5. Gender Equality – Together for Communities
Sustainability also means empowering communities and people. We support local economies by sourcing goods and services locally and hiring from the regions we work in. We champion gender equality across our operations, promoting fair representation, leadership opportunities, and inclusive practices for all. Through collaboration and respect, we aim to create lasting, positive impact in every community we touch.
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12. Responsible Consumption & Production – Reducing our Footprint
We are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint. This includes eliminating single-use plastics, offering digital materials, and running a jacket reuse programme. Aboard our vessels, we use sustainable packaging, implement robust recycling, and provide eco-friendly amenities. We serve responsibly sourced seafood and partner with green suppliers—ensuring every voyage supports responsible consumption and production.
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13. Climate Action – Action for Climate
Minimising our carbon footprint is a top priority. We operate a vessel with modern engines and low emissions per passenger, running on clean-burning Marine Gas Oil (MGO). We optimise fuel use, support sustainable marine technologies, and explore alternative fuels and carbon offset initiatives. Our goal is to set a new standard for low-impact expedition cruising—where adventure and climate action go hand in hand.
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14. Life Below Water – Healthy Oceans
As stewards of remote marine environments, we are committed to ocean conservation. We minimise waste, use low-emission fuels, and protect marine life by following strict wildlife guidelines. Our seafood is sustainably sourced, and we collaborate with organisations on reef restoration, pollution reduction, and marine biodiversity research. Through guest education and citizen science, we empower travellers to help protect our oceans.
Our declaration and commitment to sustainable tourism reflects our genuine values and principles. Joining Tourism Declares was not just a requirement — it was the right thing to do.
Organisations We Support
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James Caird Society
Community / Education
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Happy Whale
Oceans, Marine Mammals
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Mawson’s Huts Foundation
Education / Community/ History
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Ocean Youth Academy
Education
Giving Back, Beyond the Ice.
We’re proud to support charitable organisations both at sea and on land.
Our onboard fundraising efforts are complemented by our commitment at home, where all office staff receive five days of paid charity leave each year. This allows our team to contribute valuable time, skills, and expertise to our charity partners—alongside raising essential funds for meaningful causes.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, we’d love to hear from you at
info@terranova-expeditions.com.