Press release —
HX Expeditions joins the UK Chamber of Shipping in its Anniversary Year
18 Aug 2026, LONDON: HX Expeditions has joined the UK Chamber of Shipping in a milestone year for the company, as it celebrates 130 years of pioneering exploration heritage and looks ahead to shaping the next chapter of responsible expedition travel from its London headquarters.
Founded in 1896, HX Expeditions has spent 130 years taking curious travellers to some of the planet’s most remote and remarkable destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Alaska and the Galápagos. Joining the UK Chamber in this anniversary year marks both a celebration of that heritage and a commitment to contributing HX’s expedition expertise to the wider UK maritime community.
As a member of the UK Chamber, HX Expeditions will contribute to industry discussions across areas including safety, sustainability, innovation, skills and the future of responsible maritime operations, bringing more than a century of experience operating in some of the world’s most sensitive environments.
Iain McNeill, Chief Operating Officer at HX Expeditions, said: “Joining the UK Chamber of Shipping during our 130th anniversary year is a meaningful moment for HX Expeditions. Our heritage is rooted in exploration, maritime expertise and a deep respect for the places we visit, and we are proud to bring that perspective to the UK Chamber. As we celebrate the past 130 years, we are also focused on the next 130: working with partners across the sector to advance safety, sustainability, innovation and responsible maritime tourism for the future.”
Rhett Hatcher, CEO at the UK Chamber of Shipping, added: “The strength of the UK Chamber lies in the breadth and the diversity of our membership. HX Expeditions brings a distinctive perspective shaped by more than 130 years of maritime experience. Their expertise in operating safely and responsibly in some of the world’s most remote environments will be a valuable addition to our work on many of the issues facing our industry. We are delighted to welcome HX to the Chamber and look forward to working with them.”
The announcement marks a significant moment for HX Expeditions as it honours its past, strengthens its engagement with the UK maritime sector and helps shape the conversations that will define responsible exploration for generations to come.
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HX Expeditions is the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, as well as the largest provider of cruises to Antarctica, guiding curious travelers on mindful adventures since 1896.
Headquartered in London, HX employs just under 1,000 professionals worldwide and operates a fleet of five modern ships, sailing to more than 250 destinations across 30+ countries.
Renowned for its polar expeditions and immersive voyages, HX combines conservation, science and education to deliver transformative travel experiences. A pioneer in responsible travel, HX was the first expedition cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oil, ban unnecessary single-use plastics across its operations, and introduce hybrid-powered expedition ships.
HX actively supports scientific research, providing more than 1,600 complimentary cruise nights to third-party scientists, and operates the HX Foundation, which funds environmental conservation and community development.
To find out more, visit travelhx.com or follow HX on Instagram (@hxexpeditions).
About the UK Chamber of Shipping
The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association and voice of the UK shipping industry, representing more than 200 members across the maritime sector.
We work to unite, promote and champion shipping, helping create the best possible environment for the industry to flourish for the benefit of the UK.
Find out more: ukchamberofshipping.com
