Holland America Line’s Rotterdam bunkered the biofuel in the Port of Rotterdam
Holland America Line’s Rotterdam began a long-term biofuel test using 100% low carbon intensity biofuel while sailing in the Norwegian Fjords.
The ship bunkered the biofuel before leaving the Port of Rotterdam April 27 and will operate one of its four engines using this oil derived from organic waste or residues and certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive while in the Fjords.
GoodFuels MR1-100 supplied by FincoEnergies
The GoodFuels MR1-100 sustainable biofuel supplied by FincoEnergies will yield an estimated 86% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
‘… We are excited to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us toward our pursuit of net zero emissions,’ said HAL President Gus Antorcha said, adding his thanks to the Netherlands government for its support.
The initial tests will occur on one of the ship’s four engines during cruises this month, with the potential to expand to multiple engines during the summer while operating in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, specifically Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
No engine modification needed
HAL’s existing ships can operate on biofuels without modifications to their engine or fuel structure.
‘The GoodFuels MR1-100 fits the existing practice in shipping where heavier fuels are already used today,’ said Johannes Schurmann, commercial director international marine at FincoEnergies. ‘Together with our clients, we optimize sustainability and cost of the biofuel, while not jeopardizing the performance in the engine and fuel system.’
‘There is a need to look at all good alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future and we see biofuels as one of the alternatives that, with the right use and origin, will contribute to emission reductions, which we welcome,’ said Alf Tore, acting director general of shipping and navigation, Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Follows 2022 tests
Holland America Line is one of the first Carnival Corp. & plc brands to run a long-term 100% biofuel shipboard operation, having completed a successful first test in August 2022. AIDA Cruises also tested GoodFuels biofuels on AIDAprima in Rotterdam in 2022.
While biofuels have been tested on large diesel engines at shoreside research facilities and in other shipping segments, these tests are among the first live tests on working cruise ships.
. . (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.
|
