Welcome to Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators

AECO was founded in 2003 and is an international organisation for expedition cruise operators. We are dedicated to manage respectable, environmentally-friendly and safe expeditions in 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 20 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.

Our office is located in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway.