- In 2026, the HX Foundation is launching its largest charity campaign to date, with the aim of raising over €130,000 per ship to support conservation and community development projects.
- Funds will be raised through on-board donations, special events and sustainable initiatives such as ‘Green Stays’, reinforcing HX’s commitment to responsible exploration and long-term positive impact.
As HX Expeditions celebrates 130 years of pioneering exploration, HX’s official charitable subsidiary, the HX Foundation, has announced an ambitious special anniversary fundraising campaign with the aim of raising over €130,000 per ship throughout 2026. Throughout 2026, travellers, partners and supporters of the causes will be invited to contribute through onboard donations, special events and ‘Green Stays’, designed to highlight the work and impact of the Foundation’s beneficiaries; whilst raising awareness among travellers of the need to protect ecosystems and their people, encouraging them not just to be spectators but to get involved in these causes through their support.
The initiative marks an important milestone for the HX Foundation; the funds will be allocated to a carefully selected group of five beneficiaries, all recognised for their exceptional impact and strong alignment with the Foundation’s three key areas: endangered species, plastic and marine litter, and local communities.
SOOP (Shaping an Ocean of Possibilities), GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Alfred Wegener Institute
The HX Foundation supports organisations through technical measurement work on board. It is led by GEOMAR’s Ocean Observation Services (GEOMAR OOS), focusing on expanding CO₂ measurements in surface ocean waters and contributing to the SOCAT database. The Alfred Wegener Institute will lead additional efforts in science communication and ocean literacy.
California Ocean Alliance, led by renowned marine scientist Dr Ari Friedlaender
HX continues its long-standing collaboration with the California Ocean Alliance. Using cutting-edge technologies, such as drones and biologging tags, the team studies the health and behaviour of whales in Antarctica. HX vessels provide critical access to remote regions of the Southern Ocean, enabling research essential for the conservation and long-term resilience of whale populations.
Surfers Against Sewage
Funds raised by HX will go towards its Million Mile Clean initiative, where thousands of volunteers remove plastic from coastlines whilst collecting data that drives systemic changes in waste management.
Greenland Children’s Association
HX’s commitment extends to the communities it visits. Its partnership with the Greenland Children’s Association supports youth programmes, community summer camps and educational initiatives. These efforts provide safe environments where young people can build confidence, develop skills and shape their future. HX has supported this charity for over seven years.
OSM-AD Foundation
HX is also investing in the Philippines through its partnership with the OSM-AD Foundation. Together, they are developing solar-powered ‘learning centres’ in remote schools, providing access to electricity, libraries and modern educational resources. The initiative aims to establish up to seven centres with the necessary funding, opening up new opportunities for children in disadvantaged communities.
Extending support beyond the anniversary beneficiaries
In addition to the five anniversary beneficiaries, the HX Foundation will continue to manage its award-winning Rapid Response Fund, which will enable ship crews to quickly distribute grants of €1,000 to communities in need of immediate on-the-ground assistance.
Existing partnerships with the RSPB, Happywhale and the Jocotoco Foundation’s petrel sanctuary in the Galápagos Islands will also continue, alongside a selection of special grants throughout the year.
A limited-edition Ocean Bottle to mark 130 years
To mark the anniversary, HX will also unveil a limited-edition HX Foundation Ocean Bottle, created exclusively for the 130th anniversary celebrations and kindly donated by Ocean Bottle. Only a small number have been produced, as collector’s items, which will be auctioned during the fundraising campaign on each vessel. All proceeds will go directly to the anniversary beneficiaries, and further details of the auction will be announced shortly.
With this initiative, the HX Foundation reinforces its long-term commitment to responsible exploration, ocean conservation and supporting the communities that make its expeditions possible.
About HX EXPEDITIONS
HX Expeditions is one of the world’s leading exploration travel companies, with over 130 years of history in maritime expeditions. Specialising in remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Iceland, the Galápagos Islands, etc., HX combines science, sustainability and adventure on every trip. Its cruises are the perfect experience for anyone interested in discovering the location, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the destination, thanks to its teams of expert scientists and guides. Furthermore, the company stands out for its firm commitment to the environment and responsible exploration.