Small-ship expedition cruise company Aurora Expeditions has partnered with Australian tech firm CounterCurrent to pioneer AI-powered navigation in a bid for more sustainable cruising.
Sailing smarter in Antarctic waters
Aurora Expeditions is known for its small-ship adventures. It has recently unveiled this new collaboration with Australian climate-technology company CounterCurrent. The partnership will see a ground-breaking AI-driven navigation system installed aboard the Douglas Mawson, which is due to launch in December 2025. This groundbreaking technology launches a new era of responsible exploration and sustainable cruising in Antarctica while gathering vital climate data.
As the Douglas Mawson cruises the Antarctic, a CounterCurrent sensor will capture real-time wind, wave and ocean-current data. It is a big deal for the maritime world, as these are some of the most remote and least-studied waters on the planet. The live data will be fed directly into global climate and weather models, sharpening forecasting accuracy and supporting safer, more efficient navigation. It also means lower emissions for vessels operating in these challenging southern latitudes.
Sasha Buch, Sustainability Manager at Aurora Expeditions, sums it up: “Planning safe, efficient and lower-emission shipping routes relies on good data and an understanding of ocean currents. But in polar regions, real-time data is scarce. Through our collaboration with CounterCurrent and the Polar Citizen Science Collective, we’re helping fill critical data gaps in the Southern Ocean, contributing to a smarter, cleaner future for maritime travel, one where every voyage improves the next.”
AI-driven navigation sets a new standard for sustainable cruising
CounterCurrent’s technology combines artificial intelligence, onboard sensors and satellite data to create precise, vessel-specific route predictions. The system keeps a close eye on ocean conditions and ship performance, constantly updating to chart the most fuel-efficient course possible. It’s a bit like catching a ride on a friendly current, rather than constantly pushing against the tide.
This sustainable cruising approach does more than save fuel. It cuts emissions, trims operational costs and boosts safety for ships navigating the wild, changeable seas of the Antarctic. With these innovations, the Douglas Mawson’s sensor will:
- gather live oceanographic data throughout the Southern Ocean
- channel information into global climate and weather models
- support safer, more efficient journeys for Aurora Expeditions and other mariners
- add valuable knowledge to international climate research
Responsible travel with real impact
The CounterCurrent initiative is the latest addition to Aurora’s growing roster of environmental projects. These include partnerships with Seawilding, Veritree and Clean Hub, each reinforcing Aurora’s reputation as a leader in responsible travel.
Onboard, guests are invited to take part in citizen-science projects like HappyWhale, FjordPhyto and NASA Globe Cloud. These hands-on experiences connect travellers with the places they visit while focusing on conservation.
Aurora’s message is clear: travel can be a force for good. Every voyage on the Douglas Mawson will help map the future of maritime navigation and deepen our understanding of our changing planet.
