Collaboration to Trial e-Fuels for Sustainable Antarctic Boat Operations

Antarctica21, a tourism operator of air-cruise expeditions to Antarctica, is collaborating with e-Fuel producer HIF Global to integrate synthetic gasoline into its operations. 

E-Fuel, a synthetic fuel produced from green hydrogen and recycled CO₂ by means of wind energy, offers a promising alternative by being chemically equivalent to current gasoline. It requires no modifications to engines or existing infrastructure, supporting global decarbonization goals.

E-Gasoline will be tested for the operation of Zodiac boats, which transport passengers to and from Antarctica21’s flagship expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer. This follows an agreement recently signed at a ceremony in Punta Arenas, Chile, between Antarctica21 and HIF Global. 

The partnership is the first step in Antarctica21’s plan to shift its operations toward the exclusive use of e-Fuels. In the following years, the company plans to expand the use of e-Fuels to include synthetic Marine Gas Oil (e-MGO) to power Magellan Explorer’s main engines, as well as synthetic jet fuel for air operations, achieving full alignment between the company’s fuel usage and its sustainability goals.

The e-Fuel used for this partnership is locally sourced from HIF Global’s Haru Oni plant in Punta Arenas, in Chile’s Magallanes Region, where the company produces e-Fuel for various industrial applications.

Jaime Vásquez, President of Antarctica21, commented, “We are delighted to be at the forefront of the quest for alternative energy solutions. The strategic partnership between Antarctica21 and HIF aligns with our ongoing sustainability initiatives, which encompass energy-efficient practices and a comprehensive carbon offsetting and certification program. By integrating e-Fuel into our operations, we are paving the way toward a more sustainable future for Antarctic tourism, while helping drive innovation in marine fuel alternatives.”

Víctor Turpaud, CEO of HIF Latam, added, “This agreement is a concrete step that reaffirms our commitment to decarbonizing the planet. Our e-Fuels can make a difference today, not only transforming regional tourism but also contributing to a sustainable future in the White Continent.”