Sustainability at Terra Nova

IMMERSED IN NATURE,

COMMITTED TO ITS FUTURE.

At Terra Nova Expeditions, we believe the vessel is not just your transport it’s your basecamp, your window to the world, and your home at sea. Our fleet is purposefully selected and curated to offer three distinct styles of expedition experience, each delivering comfort, safety, and immersion in the world’s most remote destinations.

We carry just 112 passengers and with just 6 passengers on Icebird we are offering some of the most inclusive, affordable small ships to the continent. With more time ashore than the majority of our industry due to our small sizes.

Our EARTH
Programme


Our EARTH Sustainability Programme represents our guiding principles:

  • Education for Exploration

  • Action for Climate

  • Reducing our Footprint

  • Together for Communities

  • Healthy Oceans

Terra Nova Expeditions

Our distinctive EARTH Sustainability Programme is more than just a pledge—it is a call to action. It drives us to lead by example, to inspire others, and to work towards a future where sustainable expedition travel is standard practice rather than the exception. Whether we’re helping guests plan their next polar journey or guiding them through the Antarctic, an awareness of, and responsibility for, these fragile environments lies at the very core of what we do.

Sustainability is not simply part of our ethos—it defines how we operate. We align ourselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and are initially focusing our efforts on five key goals, with plans to expand our impact over the coming decade as we grow. 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.

Onboard our vessels, we have many ways in which we reduce our impact on the planet. From highly efficient, low-consumption engines, anti-fouling paint on our hulls to reduce fuel usage and maintain speeds, reverse osmosis water facilities to reduce the need for us to take on water in port, water ballast systems and stabilisers to enhance our fuel efficiency, as well as onboard water stations to eliminate single-use water bottles aboard. These are just some of our measures to reduce impact.

Smaller is better. Why not take sustainability all the way, and join just six passengers onboard our chartered Icebird sailing yacht?

SMALL SHIPS,
SMALL 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 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.

UN Sustainable Development Goals 

  • Icon representing Education and Literacy for Sustainable Development, depicting an open book and a pen, with the number 4 and the words 'Quality Education' on a red background.

    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.

  • A graphic representing gender equality, with the number five and gender symbols for male and female, emphasizing the goal of gender equality.

    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.

  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 symbol with the number 12, the words "Responsible Consumption and Production," and an infinity loop arrow symbol on a black background.

    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.

  • SDG 13 Climate Action environmental sustainability icon with a globe inside an eye shape and green background.

    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.

  • Graphic illustrating Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, featuring a fish and water waves.

    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

  • Logo of The James Card Society featuring a red line drawing of a sailing ship inside a rectangular frame, with the society's name in black text and the tagline 'Shackletons Leadership in Action' below.

    James Caird Society

    Community / Education

    Learn more
  • A circular graphic featuring a blue whale with sprouting plant leaves on its back, the word 'happyuwhale' written above it, and a clock-like border with marks around the edge.

    Happy Whale

    Oceans, Marine Mammals

    Learn More
  • Logo of Mawson's Huts Foundation featuring stylized mountain peaks above the text.

    Mawson’s Huts Foundation

    Education / Community/ History

    Learn More
  • Logo of Ocean Youth Academy featuring stylized blue waves above the organization's name in black and blue text.

    Ocean Youth Academy

    Education

    Learn More

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.