World Fuel Services supplies a Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings vessel’s Norwegian Viva with waste-based biofuels in Piraeus, Greece through collaboration with EKO, Marking a Significant Decarbonisation Milestone for the Cruise Sector
Piraeus, Greece – December 4, 2025 – The transition toward sustainable marine fuels in the Mediterranean has achieved a notable milestone, as World Fuel Services (WFS), a World Kinect company, successfully coordinated one of the first commercial deliveries of waste-based marine biofuel to a cruise vessel in Greece.
The operation saw the Norwegian Viva of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) receive a certified waste-based marine fuel blend in the key port of Piraeus. Critically, the delivery was carried out in collaboration with local Greek supplier, EKO, showcasing how international cooperation is immediately enabling the cruise sector to cut emissions.
This pioneering bunkering is a significant extension of NCLH’s successful biofuel programme across Southern Europe, aligning directly with its ambitious Sail & Sustain strategy. For World Fuel Services, the operation powerfully highlights its global capacity to connect operators with certified, sustainable fuel solutions regardless of geographic complexity.
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Strategic Collaboration Unlocks Immediate Emission Reduction
The bunkering in Piraeus is not an isolated event; it represents the escalating commercialisation of the energy transition, demonstrating how strategic alliances can deliver measurable progress on emissions today.
Kimberly Westmoreland, Senior Director Cruise and Energy Transition at World Fuel, highlighted the immediacy of the solution:
“This collaboration demonstrates how the cruise industry can access certified alternative fuels right now – not someday. By uniting our global supply network with strong local execution, we’re able to support forward-looking operators like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings turn low carbon fuels access into meaningful progress on decarbonization.”
For NCLH, the adoption of sustainable biofuels is a core component of scaling lower-carbon solutions fleet-wide. Lory Urdaneta, Senior Director Energy Strategy at NCLH, noted the pragmatic progress achieved:
“This biofuel operation in Piraeus reflects the kind of pragmatic progress we’re making under our Sail & Sustain program. It’s one more way we’re scaling lower-carbon solutions across our fleet… Collaborating with partners like World Fuel and EKO enables us to accelerate our decarbonization efforts and extend our sustainability impact across new geographies.”
EKO Confirms Market Readiness in the Mediterranean
The seamless integration of the waste-based fuel was made possible by the robust supply chain and operational expertise of the local partner, EKO. A leading supplier of marine fuels and lubricants in Greece, EKO’s participation signals the increasing readiness of Mediterranean ports to handle alternative fuel bunkering.
Chrisanthopoulos Konstantinos, Manager, Marine Fuels & Services Division at EKO, reinforced this point:
“EKO is proud to contribute to this important milestone in Greece. By supplying waste-based biofuels locally, we are demonstrating the readiness of the market and the potential for wider adoption across the Mediterranean.”
EKO’s ability to deliver sustainable, high-quality fuels, leveraging its parent company HELLENiQ ENERGY’s extensive infrastructure, is critical for establishing confidence in these new supply routes.
Building on a Proven Track Record
This Greek operation builds on NCLH’s previous successful biofuel engagements in Europe, which include trials in Gibraltar, Copenhagen, and the crucial Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, alongside a previous delivery in Piraeus in July. These consecutive operations demonstrate the cruise line’s unwavering commitment to integrating sustainable fuels and WFS’s pivotal role in consistently enabling these projects across diverse global ports.
By coordinating supply, ensuring rigorous certification, and guaranteeing operational reliability, World Fuel Services continues to position itself as a key enabler for ship operators worldwide seeking to access the right alternative fuel at the right time to meet today’s demanding environmental standards.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH)
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company operating the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. The Company’s global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, drives its commitment to positive societal and environmental impact. Its strategy is centered around Efficiency, Innovation, and Collaboration, and it is actively pursuing an ambition of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, supported by significant investments in efficiency technologies and the testing and scaling of alternative fuels like biodiesel.
EKO (A HELLENiQ ENERGY Company)
EKO, a member of HELLENiQ ENERGY, has been a leading supplier of marine fuels and lubricants in Greece since 1984. Serving a diverse clientele, including cruise ships, container vessels, and international fleets across all Greek ports, EKO is recognized for its reliable logistics, 24/7 service, and strong technical support. EKO ensures safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible fuel delivery, backed by the extensive infrastructure of its parent company.
HELLENiQ ENERGY
HELLENiQ ENERGY, formerly known as Hellenic Petroleum, is one of the leading integrated energy companies in Southeast Europe. With roots dating back to Greece’s first refinery in 1958, the company has evolved into a regional energy leader with a diversified portfolio spanning the energy value chain, including refining, petrochemicals, and power generation. HELLENiQ ENERGY is vigorously pursuing an ambitious transformation strategy centered on digital and green transformation and moving toward a low-emissions economy.
World Fuel Services (A World Kinect Company)
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, World Fuel Services is a World Kinect (NYSE: WKC) company. World Fuel Services is a globally trusted provider of comprehensive fueling solutions, operational services, technology, renewable energy, and other sustainability solutions. Through its expansive marine and aviation divisions, the company delivers liquid fuels and lubricants across an integrated global network, acting as a critical link between sustainable fuel producers and the maritime customers committed to decarbonisation.
Source: World Fuel Services