Antarctica21 is extending the use of locally produced e-Gasoline to power Zodiac landing operations and demonstrating a pathway to lower-emission exploration in Antarctica.
Under the agreement, the fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that transport guests from Magellan Explorer to Antarctic shores will continue to use synthetic gasoline (e-Gasoline) produced locally at HIF’s Haru Oni plant in Punta Arenas.
Through this collaboration, Antarctica21 is the first and only Antarctic tourism company to operate excursion boats with e-Fuel in Antarctica, marking a tangible milestone in the adoption of synthetic fuels within the polar tourism industry.
Produced from green hydrogen and recycled CO₂, this fuel significantly reduces the carbon footprint of landing operations on the White Continent, without requiring any modifications to the boats’ existing engines.
“By integrating e-fuels into our operations for a second consecutive season, we reaffirm our responsibility to protect one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems and to drive a real technological transformation within the maritime and tourism industries, rooted in Chile and reaching the world,” Antarctica21 CEO Verónica Peragallo said.
Antarctica21 is also evaluating the use of synthetic marine diesel (e-MGO) to power the ship’s main engines, and synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) for its flight operations.
“This renewed collaboration is a sign of continuity and ambition. Today, our e-Fuels represent a real solution to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. Supporting Antarctica21 once again allows us to demonstrate that regional tourism can be a driver of green innovation on a global scale,” HIF Latam CEO Víctor Turpaud said.
As they explore the White Continent, Antarctica21 guests will learn about the use of e-Fuels and their transformative potential. HIF and Antarctica21 aim to convey that the journey not only explores Antarctica but seeks to do so with the lowest possible impact, while actively supporting the energy solutions of the future.
Antarctica21 has been the leading air-cruise expedition operator to Antarctica since 2003. The company operates expeditions aboard small ships carrying a maximum of 76 guests, offering an exclusive and flexible journey. Antarctica21 has been recognised for four consecutive years as one of the “Best Managed Chilean Companies”, according to Deloitte’s ranking, and has been CarbonNeutral certified since 2019.
