ENVIRONMENT: Royal Caribbean plans Sustainable Biofuel Test on two vessels
By Our Correspondent
A Royal Caribbean is undertaking a groundbreaking test of a sustainable biofuel blend on two of its vessels, according to FleetMon.
It stated: “Royal Caribbean is undertaking a groundbreaking test of a sustainable biofuel blend on two of its vessels, specifically the CELEBRITY APEX operated by Celebrity Cruises and the SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS operated by Royal Caribbean International.
“During a three-month trial period, the CELEBRITY APEX will depart from the Port of Rotterdam, while the SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS will depart from the Port of Barcelona, utilizing a special biofuel blend that significantly reduces carbon emissions. After the test is complete, Royal Caribbean intends to scale up the use of alternative fuels, including biofuels, across European summer itineraries
“The biofuel blend used in the test is produced by refining renewable raw materials such as oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil. This process creates a more sustainable blend that burns cleaner and reduces environmental impact. Valuable data and research on the fuel’s capabilities and the overall supply chain infrastructure will be collected and analyzed during this test.
“This initiative follows a previous biofuel trial conducted on Royal Caribbean’s NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS, based in California. Last fall, this ship made history as the first cruise ship to sail from a U.S. port using renewable diesel fuel.”
