AIDAprima bunkers blended advanced biofuels in new pilot

This is part of an AIDA Cruises pilot project to evaluate the biofuel performance in regular ship operations for potential for future use.

VARO Energy's BMF100

The bio marine fuel (BMF100) supplied by VARO Energy is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 85% compared to conventional fossil fuels. It is the first time AIDA Cruises and VARO Energy have partnered.

'In our search for the fuel mix of the future, we have been gathering valuable experience through trials using various biofuels since 2022, and we continue to closely cooperate with experts from industry and science to develop new approaches to continuously reduce emissions,' AIDA Cruises President Felix Eichhorn said.

Affordable low-carbon fuels needed at scale globally

'In order to achieve a sustainable future, we need a growing supply of biofuels and other low-carbon alternative fuels, available globally at scale and at marketable prices,' he continued.

AIDAprima will test the new biofuel on upcoming voyages from Hamburg to the Norwegian Fjords.

'Since 2019 VARO has successfully developed, blended and supplied a diverse range of biofuels for marine bunkering,' according to Sacha Konan, country president/VP commercial Benelux & France at VARO Energy. 'Our products include B30/B100, HVO (up to 100%) and various low FAME biofuel blends.'

Konan added VARO is excited to supply AIDAprima, working with AIDA and Carnival Corp. & plc in an effort to support marine customers in their decarbonization journey.

Only second-generation biofuels used

AIDA Cruises uses only second-generation biofuels, produced exclusively from organic waste and residual materials. Biofuels can be used without major modifications to the engines and tank infrastructure of existing ships.