Virgin Voyages partners with sustainable fuels providers, hopes to foster scaleVirgin Voyages partners with sustainable fuels providers, hopes to foster scale

Argent Energy, GoodFuels and Twelve are collaborating with Virgin to help advance its commitment of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The line will enter into long-term agreements for sustainable marine fuels with these providers and plans to add others over time.

Estimated life-cycle CO2 emissions reduction from fuel: 75%

Virgin Voyages estimated that switching to sustainable marine fuels will reduce its life-cycle carbon emissions from fuel by 75% or more.

By championing these partnerships across the industry and advocating for supportive policies and incentives, Virgin Voyages hopes to help sustainable fuels reach a greater scale. The line intends to work collectively with other leading stakeholders to drive demand and increase access to supply.

Important first step

This is an important first step in developing the appropriate infrastructure and creating supportive policies for routine commercial use.

'In order to significantly reduce our carbon footprint further, we must transition to lower-carbon fuel sources as soon as possible,' Virgin Voyages CEO Tom said.  'We could do this today with our existing engines if more sustainable "drop-in" fuels were available in our ports of call. Unfortunately, these fuels are not yet widely available and, in most cases, are not cost competitive. We want to work with partners to pioneer for the essential change.'

'Oceanic task'

'Decarbonization of the marine sector is an oceanic task and Virgin Voyages’ decision to use Argent Energy as a supplier of sustainable marine fuels demonstrates the importance of waste-based biodiesel as a key strategy in that task,' said Erik Rietkerk, CEO of Argent Energy.

Argent is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of biodiesel with plants in Europe and ithe UK with a total production capacity expanding to more than 750m liters per year. Its biodiesel is made from sustainable sources; the waste feedstocks are approved and certified by both EU and Dutch regulators. 

Willingness and readiness to decarbonize

'This partnership with Virgin Voyages signifies the cruise industry’s willingness and readiness to structurally decarbonize its operations. We applaud Virgin Voyages for recognizing sustainable marine biofuel as the only viable alternative to fossil fuels — and the only available solution to effectively decarbonize shipping today,' said Nikolas Nikolaidis, commercial manager at GoodFuels.

Netherlands-based global company GoodFuels — which recently completed a multi-week biofuel test with Holland America Line's Volendam — has created a one-stop-shop for marine industry customers, integrating the entire supply chain for sustainable marine fuels since 2015. From feedstock to tank, GoodFuels’ proposition covers elements of sourcing feedstock and ensuring its 100% sustainability in the production and refining of sustainable marine biofuel.

'Carbon transformation' technology

'Twelve is devoted to using our carbon transformation technology to replace fossil fuels in the hardest to abate sectors, including marine travel. We are thrilled to launch our sustainable marine fuel, E-Marine, in partnership with Virgin Voyages and look forward to the maiden voyage,' said Nicholas Flanders, co-founder & CEO of Twelve.

Twelve's 'carbon transformation' technology eliminates emissions by transforming CO2 into critical chemicals, materials and fuels that today are made from fossil fuels.

RSB Executive Director Elena Schmidt welcomed Virgin Voyages, adding: 'I know we will be able to create a significant impact in driving change towards sustainable marine fuels that advance climate goals and result in positive social and environmental benefits.'

RSB is a global membership organization that's driving the transition to a bio-based and circular economy. Members include a diverse range of organizations across multiple supply chains, regions and industries.