HAL-Holland America Line has initiated a long-term biofuel trial on its flagship, ms Rotterdam, employing 100% low carbon intensity biofuel while navigating within the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords.
The vessel was fueled with biofuel prior to departing from Port Rotterdam Netherlands, on April 27th, and will operate one of its four diesel engines using this sustainable oil sourced from organic waste or residues, certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, while within the fjords. Supplied by FincoEnergies, the GoodFuels MR1-100 sustainable biofuel is expected to achieve an impressive 86% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Initial testing will focus on one of the ship's four engines during cruises this month, with potential expansion to multiple engines during the summer while navigating the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, particularly Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord.
The biofuels utilized are derived from feedstocks certified as 100% organic waste or residue, ensuring no risk of land-use change or deforestation and no competition with food production. These biofuels, produced from waste fats, oils, and grease leftover from feedstock processing, boast minimal emissions during production, resulting in a remarkably low carbon intensity and an estimated 86% reduction in emissions compared to marine gas oil (MGO).
Holland America Line's existing ships can operate on biofuels without engine modifications or fuel system adjustments. The company remains committed to collaborating with partners to reduce emissions and explore alternative fuels and technologies.
This initiative places Holland America Line among the pioneering Carnival Corporation brands implementing long-term 100% biofuel operations aboard its vessels, following a successful initial test in August 2022. AIDA, Carnival Corporation's German line, also conducted biofuel trials on board AIDAprima in Rotterdam in 2022. While biofuels have been assessed on large diesel engines at onshore research facilities and in other maritime sectors, these live tests aboard operational cruise ships represent significant advancements in sustainable marine propulsion.
These biofuel trials align with Carnival Corporation's broader environmental mission and goals, as highlighted in the company's 2023 Sustainability Report released in April 2024, showcasing substantial progress toward achieving 2030 targets and the overarching ambition of net zero emissions from ship operations by 2050.