In a significant step towards greener maritime practices, Motor Oil Group and Coral Marine have completed Greece’s first-ever marine biofuel delivery. This landmark achievement took place aboard the Celestyal Discovery cruise ship at the Port of Lavrio, marking the country’s first use of a fuel blend combining traditional oil and biofuel. The innovative blend is set to reduce CO₂ emissions by 21%, highlighting the shift towards more sustainable fuel solutions in the shipping industry.
This milestone underscores Greece’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation, showcasing the collaborative effort to drive the green transition in maritime transport.
Locally Produced Biofuel by Verd S.A.
The biofuel used in this pioneering delivery was produced in Greece by Verd S.A., a subsidiary of Motor Oil Group. Verd specializes in second-generation biofuels, made from used frying oils, a waste product that can have harmful environmental effects if not properly managed. By transforming this waste into a valuable biofuel, Verd is addressing both CO₂ reduction and waste management challenges, turning an environmental liability into a sustainable resource.
Second-Generation Biofuel for Sustainability
This biofuel represents a sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels, made from waste oils instead of food crops. Unlike earlier biofuels, which contribute to deforestation and food insecurity, second-generation biofuels do not compete with food production. This makes them a cleaner, more eco-friendly option, significantly mitigating the environmental issues associated with conventional biofuel sources.
Adherence to International Standards
The biofuel blend delivered to the Celestyal Discovery meets the latest ISO 8217 standards for marine fuel quality, ensuring high performance and safety in maritime operations. Compliance with these global standards guarantees seamless integration into existing fuel infrastructure, ensuring both efficiency and safety without compromising engine performance.
Supporting Global Emission Reduction Goals
This biofuel initiative plays a crucial role in supporting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets to cut CO₂ emissions from international shipping by 50% by 2050. As maritime transport remains a significant source of greenhouse gases, this delivery highlights how biofuels offer a practical solution to help the shipping industry reduce its carbon footprint and meet ambitious environmental goals.
The initiative aligns with the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime goals, which aim to reduce the carbon intensity of maritime fuels. With this step, Greece demonstrates its commitment to meeting these ambitious targets while enhancing both the environmental and economic benefits of local biofuel production.
Commitment to Decarbonization
Captain George Koumpenas, Celestyal COO, stated, “This initiative marks a meaningful shift toward sustainable cruising. We are proud that the Celestyal Discovery is taking the lead in the efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the cruise sector in our country. This milestone reflects not just technological progress, but also the power of local partnerships in driving positive change.”
At Celestyal, the commitment to a more sustainable future is a core element of their long-term vision. The successful biofuel delivery aboard the Celestyal Discovery, marking Greece’s first use of an oil-biofuel blend, is a tangible step in their decarbonization journey. This locally produced blend is estimated to reduce CO₂ emissions by 21%, adhering to international ISO 8217:2024 standards. Beyond this pioneering biofuel adoption, Celestyal is actively pursuing various initiatives to minimize its environmental impact, ensuring that their fleet and operations contribute meaningfully to the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport.
A Model for a Greener Future
The successful delivery of biofuel to the Celestyal Discovery is more than just a milestone for Greece—it’s a clear signal of the future of sustainable shipping. By leveraging domestically produced second-generation biofuels, this collaboration serves as a powerful example of how industry partnerships can lead to tangible environmental and economic progress.
As the maritime industry moves toward decarbonization, this achievement paves the way for greener, more innovative fuel solutions that will shape the future of global shipping.
About Celestyal
Celestyal is an award-winning cruise line born in Athens in 2014, known for delivering authentic experiences across the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Gulf. Operating a boutique fleet including the Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, Celestyal prides itself on providing intimate voyages that connect guests with local landscapes, culture, and people. The company emphasizes genuine cultural immersion and exceptional Greek hospitality, aiming to offer unforgettable, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
Coral Marine
Coral Marine, a subsidiary of Motor Oil Group, is a leading supplier of marine fuels in the Eastern Mediterranean. With a robust network of terminals and fuel distribution services, Coral Marine plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable, high-quality fuel delivery to ships across the region. The company specializes in providing environmentally responsible fuel solutions, including low-sulfur and biofuels, to support the maritime industry’s green transition.
As a trusted partner in the shipping sector, Coral Marine is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable fuel solutions, while consistently adhering to international environmental standards. Coral Marine’s dedication to innovation and sustainability positions it as a key player in the global effort to decarbonize the maritime sector.
Verd S.A.
Verd S.A. is a leading renewable energy company and a subsidiary of Motor Oil Group, specializing in the production of second-generation biofuels. Based in Greece, Verd focuses on converting waste oils, such as used frying oils, into sustainable biofuels, offering a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional fuels. Verd’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond fuel production; the company is also focused on waste management and renewable energy solutions.
By transforming waste into valuable resources, Verd S.A. plays a vital role in the circular economy, reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Through continuous innovation, Verd is positioning itself as a key player in the global green energy movement.
Motor Oil Group
Motor Oil Group is a leading integrated energy and industrial conglomerate headquartered in Greece, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Established in 1970, the company has grown into a major player in the global energy sector, with a focus on refining, marketing, and distributing petroleum products. Motor Oil Group operates a state-of-the-art refinery, providing a broad range of products to fuel both industrial and consumer needs.
The company is at the forefront of the energy transition, investing in renewable energy sources, waste-to-energy solutions, and sustainable biofuels, as part of its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint. With a global presence and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, Motor Oil Group aims to contribute to a cleaner, greener future while meeting the growing energy demands of the world.
Source Motor Oil Group