Holland America Line (HAL) announced the commencement of a biofuel trail on its flagship, Rotterdam, utilizing 100% low carbon intensity biofuel while sailing within the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. The ship bunkered the biofuel before departing from the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on April 27, 2024, and will operate one of its four engines using low carbon intensity oil derived from organic waste or residues, certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive while in the Fjords. The GoodFuels MR1-100 sustainable biofuel supplied by FincoEnergies will result in an estimated 86% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
“Holland America Line is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, and we are excited to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us toward our pursuit of net-zero emissions,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Converting items such as food waste into fuel is an innovative way to meet environmental challenges, and we thank the Dutch government for its support.”
The initial tests will occur on one of the ship’s four engines during cruises this month, with the potential to expand to multiple engines during the summer while operating in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, specifically Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
What are Sustainable Biofuels?
Sustainable biofuels are derived from feedstocks that are certified as 100% organic waste or residue, with no risk of land-use change or deforestation and no competition with food production. Produced from waste fats and oils, sustainable biofuels are associated with minimal emissions during production. This results in very low carbon intensity, with an estimated reduction of 86% in emissions compared to marine gas oil (MGO).
Holland America Line’s existing ships operate on marine biofuels without modifications to the engine or fuel structure. Holland America Line continues to partner with companies to find ways to reduce emissions and develop alternative fuels and technologies.
“The GoodFuels MR1-100 fits the existing practice in shipping where heavier fuels are already used today,” said Johannes Schürmann, Commercial Director International Marine at FincoEnergies. “Together with our clients, we optimize sustainability and the cost of the biofuel while not jeopardizing the performance of the engine and fuel system.”
“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. The Norwegian Maritime Authority takes a positive view of all measures taken by the industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Alf Tore, Acting Director-General of Shipping and Navigation, Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Holland America Line’s Commitment to Sustainability
Holland America Line is one of the first Carnival Corporation brands to run a long-term 100% biofuel shipboard operation, having completed a successful first test in August 2022. Carnival Corporation’s German line AIDA also tested GoodFuels biofuels on board AIDAprima in Rotterdam in 2022. While biofuels have been tested on large diesel engines at shoreside research facilities and in other shipping segments, these tests are among the first live tests on working cruise ships.
The two cruise lines’ biofuel tests support the overall environmental mission, goals, and aspirations of Carnival Corporation. Carnival Corporation’s 2023 Sustainability Report released in April 2024 shows the company is making significant achievements toward its 2030 goals and the overall aspiration to achieve net-zero emissions from ship operations by 2050.
About Holland America Line – a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service, and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line’s 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel.
About GoodFuels
GoodFuels is a global brand of sustainable fuel solutions for road and marine use, supplied by FincoEnergies. The GoodFuels product line consists of their most sustainable fuels and integrates the entire supply chain for low-carbon fuels like sustainable biofuels and biomethanol. From feedstock to tank, GoodFuels proposition covers elements of sourcing feedstock and ensuring its 100% sustainability, production and refining, global distribution, quality assurance, and marketing programs with ports, governments, and cargo owners.
Source GoodFuels