HX Expeditions’ official charity arm, HX Foundation, has launched a special fundraising campaign that runs throughout 2026 in celebration of the company’s 130 years of pioneering exploration.
This marks the most ambitious fundraising campaign to date for the Foundation, setting a bold target to raise more than EUR130,000 (approx. AU$213,584) per ship across 2026 – surpassing all previous annual totals. Throughout 2026, guests, partners, and supporters are invited to contribute through onboard giving, special events, and ‘Green Stays,’ all designed to highlight the work and impact of the Foundation’s grantees.
It is a significant milestone for the HX Foundation, with funds directed toward a carefully selected group of five anniversary grantees, all recognised for their exceptional impact and strong alignment with the Foundation’s core mission.
“Reaching 130 years is an extraordinary moment in HX’s story,” HX Foundation managing director Henrik A. Lund said. “The Foundation exists to protect the environments and communities that make HX’s voyages so meaningful. This year, we honour that legacy by empowering organisations making measurable, long term impact – creating a real impact for the next 100 years.”
This year’s beneficiaries span the Foundation’s three critical focus areas: endangered species, plastic and marine litter, and local communities – reflecting HX’s commitment to protecting the planet while supporting the people connected to it.
Five selected grantees
- Driving Science in the world’s most remote oceans – SOOP (Shaping an Ocean of Possibilities, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Alfred Wegener Institute
The HX Foundation Grant supports the continuation of activities originally developed within SOOP (Shaping an Ocean of Possibilities), which will be carried forward by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Alfred Wegener Institute. The technical measurement work aboard is led by the GEOMAR Ocean Observation Services (GEOMAR OOS), which focuses on expanding measurements of CO₂ in surface ocean waters and contributing data to the SOCAT database. The Alfred Wegener Institute will coordinate further activities and lead additional efforts in science communication and ocean literacy.
“The HX Foundation’s support allows us to build on the momentum created by SOOP and strengthen ocean observation efforts,” GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel chemical oceanographer and contributing SOOP scientist Dr. Tobias Steinhoff said.
“By expanding CO₂ measurements in surface waters in remote areas and collaborating with partners at sea, we can improve our understanding of the ocean’s role in the global carbon cycle.”
- Protecting Antarctic giants – California Ocean Alliance, led by renowned marine scientist Dr. Ari Friedlaender
HX continues its long-standing collaboration with the California Ocean Alliance, led by renowned marine scientist Dr. Ari Friedlaender. Using cutting-edge technologies, such as drones and biologging tags, the team studies whale health and behaviour in Antarctica. HX vessels provide critical access to remote Southern Ocean regions, enabling research essential to the conservation and long-term resilience of whale populations. Over the last four Antarctic seasons, HX has offered over 758 free science cabin nights to Ari and his team since 2022.
- Mobilising communities against plastic pollution – Surfers Against Sewage
Plastic waste remains one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. HX will support the UK-based Surfers Against Sewage, an organisation empowering communities to take action. Funds raised go to their Million Mile Clean initiative, where hundreds of thousands of volunteers remove plastic from coastlines while collecting data that drives systemic change in waste management.
“The most powerful force for ocean conservation isn’t legislation alone – it’s people who fall in love with our coastlines and refuse to look away,” Surfers Against Sewage Giles Bristow said.
“That’s why SAS is proud to partner with the HX Foundation. From the Thames to the Scottish Isles, we’re putting boots on the beach and turning expedition guests into ocean advocates through the Million Mile Clean. This is what meaningful partnership looks like – shared purpose in action.”
- Investing in the next generation in Greenland – Association of Greenlandic Children
HX’s commitment extends to the communities it visits. Its partnership with the Association of Greenlandic Children supports youth programmes, community summer camps, children going through turmoil and educational initiatives. These efforts provide safe, nurturing environments where young people can build confidence, develop skills, and shape their futures. HX has supported this charity for over seven years.
- Expanding access to education in crew communities – OSM-AD Foundation
Recognising the people behind its operations, 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 funds, opening new opportunities for children in underserved communities.
Expanding support beyond the Anniversary Grantees
In addition to the five anniversary grantees, the HX Foundation continues to operate its award-winning Rapid Response Fund, enabling ship crews to quickly distribute EUR1,000 (approx. AU$1,640.70) grants to communities in need of immediate on-site assistance.
Existing partnerships with the RSPB, Happywhale, and the Fundación Jocotoco wildlife petrel reserve in the Galápagos will also continue, along with a selection of extraordinary grants throughout the year.
A Limited-Edition Ocean Bottle to mark 130 years
To commemorate the anniversary, HX is also introducing a limited-edition HX Foundation Ocean Bottle, created exclusively for the 130-year celebration and kindly donated by Ocean Bottle. Only a small number have been produced, with one collector’s item to be auctioned during the fundraising campaign on each ship.
All proceeds go directly to the anniversary grantees, with additional auction details to be announced soon.
“HX has always stood for exploration with purpose,” HX Expeditions CEO Gebhard Rainer said. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our heritage; it’s an opportunity to invest in the future.”
