In a bold move towards sustainability, Holland America Line has initiated a significant biofuel trial aboard its flagship, Rotterdam. The vessel embarked on its journey from the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands on April 27, 2024, utilizing 100% low carbon intensity biofuel during its voyages within the picturesque Norwegian World Heritage Fjords.
One of Rotterdam’s four engines will be powered by this sustainable biofuel, GoodFuels MR1-100, provided by FincoEnergies. This biofuel is derived from organic waste or residues and certified under the EU Renewable Energy Directive, resulting in a substantial 86% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
The initial testing phase during this month’s cruises will focus on one of the ship’s four engines, with the potential to expand these tests to multiple engines during the summer, particularly while navigating the breathtaking Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Biofuels, made from certified 100% organic waste or residue feedstocks, offer significant environmental benefits. They do not contribute to land-use changes, deforestation, or compete with food production. Produced from waste fats, oils, and grease left over from feedstock processing, they emit minimal emissions during production, leading to a considerably low carbon intensity.
Holland America Line’s current ships are capable of running on biofuels without requiring modifications to their engines or fuel structure. The company continues to collaborate with partners to explore innovative ways to reduce emissions and develop alternative fuels and technologies.
Johannes Schurmann, Commercial Director International Marine at FincoEnergies, highlighted the compatibility of GoodFuels MR1-100 with existing shipping practices, stating, “The GoodFuels MR1-100 fits the existing practice in shipping where heavier fuels are already used today.” He emphasized the optimization of sustainability and cost while maintaining the performance of the engine and fuel system.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority welcomed the industry’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, acknowledging the potential of biofuels as an alternative fuel source. “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 at the Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Holland America Line, a Carnival Corporation brand, has taken a pioneering step towards sustainability by successfully conducting a long-term 100% biofuel shipboard operation. This milestone, achieved after a successful initial test in August 2022, demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. AIDA, another Carnival Corporation line, also participated in this initiative by testing GoodFuels biofuels on board AIDAprima in Rotterdam during the same year.
These biofuel tests, conducted on working cruise ships, are among the first of their kind and reflect Carnival Corporation’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The company’s 2023 Sustainability Report, unveiled in April 2024, showcased remarkable progress towards its 2030 sustainability goals and its overarching ambition to attain net-zero emissions from ship operations by 2050.
