Oceanwide Expeditions

AECO

AECO was founded in 2003 and is an international organisation for expedition cruise operators. Oceanwide Expeditions is a member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) and complies with environmental guidelines and regulations set by the organisation Oceanwide Expeditions is dedicated to manage respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expeditions to the Arctic. The members agree that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic must be carried out with the utmost consideration for the vulnerable natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, as well as the challenging safety hazards at sea and on land. AECO-members are obligated to operate in accordance with national and international laws and regulations and agreed upon AECO by-laws and guidelines.

AECO presently has 13 member companies from seven different countries operating 22 vessels within AECO's geographical range, sizes ranging from small sailing yachts to expedition cruise ships with up to 320 passengers. AECO's geographical range is Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Greenland. Expansion into other Arctic regions will be considered. It is AECO’s objective to ensure that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic is carried out with the utmost consideration for the vulnerable, natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, as well as the challenging safety hazards at sea and on land.

AECO guidelines can be downloaded in three languages (french, german, norwegian) here