Shell Marine demonstrates real-world readiness of bio-LNG with successful bunkering to Carnival Corporation’s LNG-powered cruise ship, Arvia, at Port of Southampton in the UK.
Shell Marine has successfully completed a bio-LNG bunkering operation for Arvia, a P&O Cruises ship under Carnival Corporation, at the Port of Southampton—marking a key development in the commercial availability of bio-LNG for marine fuel supply chains.
As regulations tighten and the IMO’s latest greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel intensity reduction pathway accelerates pressure on international shipping to decarbonise, this operation reinforces Shell’s capability and infrastructure readiness to support a transition toward zero and near-zero emission fuels.
Driving Change: Carnival’s Commitment to Cleaner Cruising
Carnival Corporation continues to demonstrate industry leadership in maritime decarbonisation by actively integrating lower-carbon fuels into its operations. The recent bio-LNG bunkering of Arvia, a P&O Cruises ship at the Port of Southampton reflects the company’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and its commitment to meeting—and exceeding—global emissions reduction targets.
By embracing future fuels like bio-LNG, Carnival is not only reducing its environmental impact today but also setting a clear example for the cruise and wider shipping sectors. Their ongoing collaboration with fuel suppliers like Shell showcases the importance of partnerships in accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable marine industry.
Bio-LNG Bunkering: A Drop-In Pathway to Compliance
For bunker fuel suppliers and ship operators, the availability of Bio-LNG represents an immediate, compliant, and scalable decarbonisation solution. It is fully compatible with existing LNG engines and supply infrastructure, allowing for seamless blending with conventional LNG.
This flexibility is critical as it gives operators the ability to control the carbon intensity of their fuel mix based on regulatory obligations and sustainability targets—without major vessel retrofits or supply disruptions.
Shell Marine now offers bio-LNG bunkering at several key ports across Europe and the Americas, positioning it as one of the few marine fuel suppliers with operational readiness to meet growing demand for lower-carbon fuels.
Production and Supply Chain: Circular and Scalable
Bio-LNG—also known as liquefied biomethane—is derived from organic waste sources including manure, agricultural residues, and food waste. Shell collaborates with nearly 700 farmers in Denmark and the Netherlands to secure a steady feedstock supply. These materials are processed in anaerobic digesters, producing biogas that is upgraded to biomethane and liquefied for use as marine fuel.
The result is a renewable marine fuel that can deliver up to 100% GHG emissions savings on a lifecycle basis, especially when factoring in the methane emissions avoided from decomposing organic waste.
The residual digestate from the process is returned to farmland as fertilizer, further supporting sustainable agriculture and closing the loop on the fuel’s environmental footprint.
Southampton Operation: Proof of Capability
The recent bunkering to Arvia at Southampton is a practical demonstration of bio-LNG’s integration into mainstream bunkering operations. Shell’s established infrastructure and experienced bunkering teams ensure reliable and safe supply, in line with all existing LNG bunkering protocols.
As LNG bunkering gains pace globally, bio-LNG adds a decarbonisation layer to the current LNG value chain. It empowers fleet owners to transition progressively—blending bio content today while preparing for zero-emission fuels of tomorrow.
Shell Marine: Positioned for the Energy Transition
Shell’s marine fuels strategy is anchored in enabling decarbonisation at scale. By leveraging existing LNG bunkering infrastructure and working with partners across agriculture, shipping, and logistics, Shell is delivering viable low-carbon marine fuels today—with bio-LNG at the forefront.
For the bunker supply chain, this represents a turning point: bio-LNG is no longer a future fuel. It’s in operation. Learn more about Shell Marine’s alternative fuels and bio-LNG availability at their website.
About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leading global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies worldwide. Our extensive portfolio features some of the most renowned cruise brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard in the United Kingdom; AIDA Cruises in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe; Iberocruceros in Spain; and P&O Cruises (Australia) in Australia.
These brands represent the most recognized names in cruising across North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, offering a diverse array of holiday and vacation options tailored to a wide spectrum of cultural, linguistic, and recreational preferences. In addition to our cruise operations, we own a tour company, Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, which operates in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Together, our vacation companies welcome approximately 10 million guests annually, making Carnival Corporation & plc a premier choice for memorable travel experiences.
About Shell Marine
Shell Marine is at the forefront of the maritime energy transition, delivering innovative solutions to meet the sector’s evolving fuel and emissions challenges. From advanced lubricants and alternative fuels to technical services and digital tools, Shell Marine supports customers in driving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across their fleets. With a clear focus on collaboration, Shell Marine is empowering the maritime sector to navigate the shift to cleaner energy sources.
Source Shell Marine | Carnival Corporation