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Holland America's Rotterdam begins long-term biofuel testHolland America's Rotterdam begins long-term biofuel test

Holland America Line's Rotterdam began a long-term biofuel test using 100% low carbon intensity biofuel while sailing in the Norwegian Fjords.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

May 2, 2024

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The ship bunkered the biofuel before leaving the Port of Rotterdam April 27 and will operate one of its four engines using this oil derived from organic waste or residues and certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive while in the Fjords.

GoodFuels MR1-100 supplied by FincoEnergies

The GoodFuels MR1-100 sustainable biofuel supplied by FincoEnergies will yield an estimated 86% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.

'... We are excited to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us toward our pursuit of net zero emissions,' said HAL President Gus Antorcha said, adding his thanks to the  Netherlands 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.

No engine modification needed

HAL's existing ships can operate on biofuels without modifications to their engine or fuel structure.

'The GoodFuels MR1-100 fits the existing practice in shipping where heavier fuels are already used today,' said Johannes Schurmann, commercial director international marine at FincoEnergies. 'Together with our clients, we optimize sustainability and cost of the biofuel, while not jeopardizing the performance in 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,' said Alf Tore, acting director general of shipping and navigation, Norwegian Maritime Authority.

Follows 2022 tests

Holland America Line is one of the first Carnival Corp. & plc brands to run a long-term 100% biofuel shipboard operation, having completed a successful first test in August 2022. AIDA Cruises also tested GoodFuels biofuels on 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.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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