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Aqua Expeditions Announce New Global Partnership with 4Ocean and the Science Based
Targets Initiatives with a Goal to Reduce Emissions by 2030
Honouring their commitment to sustainable practises, Aqua Expeditions, have entered into a global
partnership with 4Ocean, a company on a mission to clean the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines.
Aqua has also applied to join the Science Based Targets Initiatives (SBTi) with an aim to reduce carbon
emissions by at least 4.5% by 2030 and achieve net-zero targets consistent with limiting global
temperature rise. These new initiatives deepen Aqua Expeditions’ dedication to conserving aquatic
biodiversity within the majestic waterways they sail.
Aqua Expeditions’ global sustainability partnership with 4Ocean will see them contribute to the
removal of at least 25,000 pounds of plastic from the world’s waterways over the next year. Plastic
pollution continues to cause devasting harm to aquatic species, threatening millions of lives each year,
making this endeavour crucial for the survival of many species. It is also a matter of global importance
as the health of our waterways has a significant impact on the rate of climate change. Aqua is
committed to playing its part to safeguard the planet for generations to come. Guests on board will
have the opportunity to contribute to this cause by purchasing a bracelet made from recycled
materials, each one representing five pounds of plastic removed from the world’s waterways. Alongside
this commitment, Aqua will also lead activations across its fleet, for targeted clean-ups across all
destinations. This is an extension of the brand’s ongoing efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.
Expanding their dedication to responsible practices both aboard vessels and throughout their
operations, Aqua Expeditions has enlisted in the SBTi with the aim of curbing their carbon emissions
by a minimum of 4.5% by 2030. This will be done as part of SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard, the
world’s only framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with climate science. Aqua’s
commitment will be achieved through a series of operational changes including smart engine and
anchor use as well as more efficient itinerary planning, allowing for more efficient fuel and energy
consumption.
This will also compliment Aqua’s existing initiatives, which include their advanced onboard waste
management systems for plastic separation, water purification systems which ensure only pristine
water is returned back into the rivers and oceans, and sourcing 70% of all ingredients used on board
locally to support local communities. In the long term, all of Aqua’s river ships will be equipped with
solar panels to reduce fuel consumption for lighting and air-conditioning. Older engines in the fleet
will also be replaced with newer fuel-efficient models.
Commenting on the new partnerships Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder & CEO of Aqua Expeditions
says, “We are thrilled to join forces with 4Ocean, alongside our recent commitment to SBTi, to minimise our emissions and further our dedication to conserving the rich tapestry of aquatic marine life in the
destinations we traverse, protecting these waterways for future generations, all while establishing new
benchmarks for conscientious luxury travel.”
Aqua also continues to partner with The Manta Trust, a project that safeguards manta rays in Raja
Ampat and the Savu Sea, a population threatened by targeted fishing, bycatch, and increased pressure
on habitats. Utilizing research to better understand the mantas, it drives localized conservation,
education programs, and monitors the mantas long-term. Since 2020, this partnership has seen the
identification of 2,000 individual reef manta rays in Raja Ampat, the discovery of new manta cleaning
stations, now under the protection of the project, and the development of a marine conservation
education program with six local primary schools. As of 2024, Aqua has committed to providing Manta
Trust with new underwater cameras to better support research and conservation efforts.
In the Galapagos, Aqua Expeditions has teamed up with the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and
Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), organizations that focus on the conservation and sustainable
development of the Galapagos Archipelago. Since the launch of Aqua Mare in 2022, Aqua’s naturalist
guides have closely with CDF and GCT in a joint commitment to restore the archipelago’s land and
marine habitats. This year,Aqua Expeditions furthers that partnership with its commitment to sponsor
the CDF Shark Ecology and Conservation Program. The program evaluates the status of various
endemic shark populations and studies their movement patterns with the goal of developing effective
management plans to ensure their long-term conservation.
Aqua engages in both local and regional partnerships within the destinations they sail, aiming to have
a net positive impact on the environment and the communities which depend on it. Notable
achievements include the rehabilitation of the paiche fish population, releasing 2,100 taricaya turtles
in the Peruvian Amazon, and supporting the Amazon Rescue Centre with the release of 25 manatees.
As strong believers in an individual’s power to affect change, Aqua lead awareness programmes and
offer educational opportunities engaging with the local communities. Their partnership with the
Indonesian Waste Platform has empowered those in Indonesia’s island communities to implement
waste disposal methods, stopping plastic debris from ending up in our oceans.
Aqua Expeditions continues to redefine luxury small ship expeditions with a commitment that goes
beyond the horizon, setting a new standard for responsible and immersive travel experiences.
For media inquiries please contact: aquaexpeditions@foxcomms.com
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About Aqua Expeditions
A recognized global leader in luxury small ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s
most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish
contemporary design. Venturing into unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature and
wildlife, Aqua Expeditions sails to remote destinations with minimized human interaction, secluded
from crowds. Expect tailored five- star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with
personalized service, acclaimed cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and small group expert-guided
adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. Aqua
Expeditions currently operates river explorations on the Amazon (Peru),the Mekong(Cambodia and
Vietnam),and coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands, as well
as Raja Ampat (East Indonesia), with our latest super yacht sailing the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
from June 2022.
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