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Innovation
Scalable solutions to tackle some of the world’s toughest environmental challenges like fuel consumption and pollution are still emerging, which is why we’re committed to leading through action. We see our role as trialling new technologies, sharing what we learn and helping accelerate progress across the industry. From smarter route planning to microplastic filtration, we’re committed to collaborating with innovators to better protect the places we explore and the people and wildlife that depend on them.
Innovation onboard the Douglas Mawson
Industry-leading microfibre filters with Cleaner Seas
Every time we wash our clothes, hundreds of thousands of plastic microfibres are released into wastewater. These tiny plastic strands are too small to be captured by standard filtration systems and often end up in the ocean, where they harm marine life and enter the food chain.
On the Douglas Mawson, we’ve partnered with Cleaner Seas to install their Indikon circular filtration system on all washing machines. This technology captures up to 99% of microplastics at the source. Once full, the filters are returned to Cleaner Seas for recycling, closing the loop and ensuring the captured fibres are properly managed and given a new life.
Every action matters. By installing solutions like this, whether on our vessels or in homes, we can all play a role in protecting marine life.
Trialling climate-tech for lower-emissions shipping with CounterCurrent
Planning safe, efficient and lower-emissions shipping routes relies on good data on ocean currents. Australian climate-technology company, CounterCurrent, uses AI modelling, onboard sensors and satellite data to generate hyperlocal, vessel-specific route predictions.
Across our fleet of three purpose-built expedition ships - Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson - we are trialling CounterCurrent's technology to better understand ocean currents and to support more efficient navigation. The sensors capture real-time wind, wave and current data from some of the world’s most remote regions, helping improve forecasting models and inform decisions that can reduce fuel use and emissions.
This project is a collaboration between CounterCurrent, Aurora Expeditions and the Polar Citizen Science Collective. By filling critical data gaps in one of the most remote oceans on Earth, we are contributing to a smarter, cleaner future for maritime travel, one where every voyage improves the next.
