Holland America Line is beginning a long-term biofuel trial on its flagship, the Rotterdam, which will run on 100% low-carbon biofuel while cruising through the Norwegian Fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ship will be refueled with the biofuel before departing the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, on April 27, 2024, and will operate one of its four engines using low-carbon oil derived from organic waste and certified under the EU Renewable Energy Directive while in the Fjords. The sustainable biofuel, GoodFuels MR1-100, supplied by FincoEnergies, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 86% over its lifecycle.
“Holland America Line is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, and we are very pleased to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us achieve our goal of net-zero emissions,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Holland America Line. “Converting elements such as food waste into fuel is an innovative way to address environmental challenges, and we thank the Dutch government for its support.” Initial trials will be conducted on one of the ship’s four engines during cruises this month, with the possibility of expanding to multiple engines during the summer while operating in Norway’s World Heritage-listed fjords, specifically Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Holland America Line's current vessels run on biofuels without any modifications to the engine or fuel structure. Holland America Line continues to collaborate with companies to find ways to reduce emissions and develop alternative fuels and technologies.
“It is necessary to study all viable alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the future, and we believe that biofuels are one of the alternatives that, with proper use and source, will contribute to reducing emissions, which we welcome.” The Norwegian Maritime Authority welcomes all measures taken by the sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” stated Alf Tore, Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation at the Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Holland America Line's commitment to sustainability:
Holland America Line is one of the first Carnival Corporation brands to operate onboard with 100% biofuel long-term, having successfully completed an initial trial in August 2022.
The biofuel trials conducted by the two cruise lines support Carnival Corporation’s overall environmental mission, goals, and aspirations. Carnival Corporation’s 2023 Sustainability Report, published in April 2024, shows that the company is making significant progress toward its 2030 goals and its overall aspiration to achieve net-zero emissions from ship operations by 2050.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
