ABOUT Arctic Trucks Polar

Based in Kópavogur, near Reykjavík, Iceland, the Arctic Trucks Polar (ATP) team brings more than 35 years of continuous experience enabling safe, reliable and efficient access to some of the most remote environments on Earth — the Arctic, Subarctic and Antarctic.

Pioneered in 1990 by CEO Emil Grímsson, the original Arctic Trucks concept was developed within Toyota Iceland to meet customer demand for more capable 4×4 vehicles able to operate in Iceland’s uniquely harsh terrain.

As Arctic Trucks conversions became increasingly capable — particularly in extreme snow conditions — an opportunity arose in 1996 to test these vehicles beyond Iceland. Two AT44 Land Cruisers were selected for a scientific expedition to Antarctica, marking Arctic Trucks’ first expedition outside its home country.

At a time when tracked and belted vehicles were the standard solution for polar transport, this approach pioneered the use of highly capable, nimble, wheeled platforms. The result was a dramatic improvement in polar travel efficiency, delivering faster, safer, more cost-effective and more comfortable deep-field, high-latitude traverses. This innovation represented a game-changing shift in how polar operations could be conducted.

In the years that followed, Arctic Trucks evolved beyond vehicle provision into a holistic expedition service, offering bespoke expedition planning and full management of polar missions. As the scope of specialised logistical skills and services expanded, the decision was made to dedicate a focused part of the team to this growing area of the business. As a result, Arctic Trucks Polar ehf was established in 2019 as a stand-alone company.

Today, with Emil (assisted by Sune Tamm) remaining firmly at the helm, ATP continues to innovate both in practical capability and the services it provides: an ever-expanding range of solutions to scientific organisations, governments, NGOs, commercial partners and private individuals requiring dependable transport and logistical support in extreme polar environments. To date, polar operations have covered more than 420,000 kilometres in Antarctica alone, supporting a growing portfolio of missions across the planet’s highest latitudes, both north and south.

We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of our journey so far. Our highly experienced and dedicated team looks forward to supporting our valued clients, both present and future.