Carnival Cruise Line Tests 100% Renewable Marine Biofuel

Carnival cruise lines fueled a cruise ship for the first time yesterday using 100% renewable bio-marine fuel.

AIDA Cruises tested the fuel in AIDAPrima while the ship was in Rotterdam. The cruise line is testing performance to see if it can be used in regular ship operations.

Bio Marine Fuel (BMF100), a sustainable biofuel supplied by VARO Energy, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% compared to conventional fossil fuels.

Tests of this fuel will be carried out on upcoming cruises from Hamburg to the fjords of Norway.

AIDA Cruises CEO Felix Eichhorn issued the following statement:

“We are focused on identifying advanced fuels and technologies that we can use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In our search for the fuel mix of the future, we are gathering valuable experience through trials using different biofuels from 2022 and continue to work closely with industry and scientific experts to develop new approaches to continuously reduce emissions.

“To achieve a sustainable future, we need a growing supply of biofuels and other low-emission alternative fuels – available globally at scale and at market prices.”

Sacha Konan, Country President/Vice President Commercial Benelux and France at VARO Energy, added:

“Since 2019, VARO has been successfully developing, blending and supplying a wide range of marine bunkering biofuels. Our products include B30/B100, HVO (up to 100 percent) and various low FAME biofuel blends. We are pleased to be able to supply AIDAprima, working with AIDA and Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company.

“This operation, which takes place close to our office in Rotterdam, reflects our ongoing efforts to support marine customers on their decarbonisation journey as the industry adapts to new regulations. We look forward to continuing our partnership with AIDA and expanding our biofuel offering in the ARA region and beyond.”