Aurora Expeditions Reaches Milestone in Emissions Reduction

Image: Sylvia Earle. (Source: Aurora Expeditions)
Image: Sylvia Earle. (Source: Aurora Expeditions)
Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Wed September 10, 2025

Aurora Expeditions concluded its first biofuel trial, which brings it one step closer to diminishing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Operating in some of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions, we recognize that reducing emissions is one of our most urgent responsibilities,” said Aurora Expeditions Sustainability Manager Sasha Buch.

“This first biofuel trial has provided valuable insights that will guide future testing and support the broader adoption of sustainable fuels in the maritime sector.”

Sylvia Earle Sylvia Earle was the first of the company’s Infinity class ships “to trial hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a sustainable biofuel made entirely from used cooking oil,” Explora said, adding that in May 2025 the ship “bunkered HVO in Valencia, Spain, and operated for several days along the Spanish coastline running on 100% HVO.”

The biofuel’s proof of sustainability certification, which adheres to strict environmental standards, found “an estimated 90% reduction in fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional marine fuel,” the expedition line said.

In addition to Sylvia Earl, the Aurora fleet includes Greg Mortimer; a third ship, Douglas Mawson, is scheduled to inaugurate service in December 2025.


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