Cepsa, a Spanish (Madrid-based) multinational oil and gas corporation, has commenced the delivery of second-generation biofuels to NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line vessels at Port Barcelona (Spain).
The inaugural fueling/bunkering operation was conducted in late July, with the Norwegian Escape ship being the first vessel.
Cepsa intends to sustain the supply of this fuel throughout the European season. In August, two additional NCLH ships (owned by NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) were also refueled with this biofuel. Ongoing provisions are scheduled to ensure a consistent supply from both the Ports of Barcelona and Algeciras in the coming months.
Cepsa’s second-generation renewable biofuel incorporates 24% sustainable components, derived from used cooking oils. This initiative is projected to mitigate ~3,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. As the maritime sector intensifies efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the integration of alternative fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen, and renewable electricity is becoming increasingly vital.
Samir Fernandez, representing Cepsa, noted that Norwegian Cruise Line’s adoption of these biofuels aligns with the broader industry’s commitment to carbon reduction. These biofuels can reduce emissions by up to 90% without requiring modifications to existing engines, supporting the cruise industry’s trajectory towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.