Royal Caribbean Group and KPI OceanConnect have recently taken part in biofuel trials across Europe demonstrating a high demand for the fuel source and its decarbonisation benefits.
Royal Caribbean Group partook in a successful 12-week trial, making it the first cruise company in the maritime industry to effectively test and deploy a biofuel blend in Barcelona.
According to Royal Caribbean Group, the trials were driven by its SEA the Future commitment to sustaining the planet, energising communities and accelerating innovation.
Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty emphasised how this new venture has brought the company forward with its aim of net-zero cruises.
In order to prove that the biofuel mix is a dependable "drop-in" source of reduced emission energy, the company-certified onboard technical systems exceeded operating criteria without raising any quality or safety issues.
Liberty said: “This is a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group’s alternative fuel journey. Following our successful trial of biofuels this summer, we are one step closer to bringing our vision for net zero cruising to life.
"As we strive to protect and promote the vibrant oceans we sail, we are determined to accelerate innovation and improve how we deliver vacation experiences responsibly.”
Where cruise leads, tankers follow
KPI OceanConnect has recently completed the successful supply and trial of a custom B30 biofuel mix aboard the M/T Alsia Swan for Uni-Tankers.
According to KPI, the trials are a crucial step toward gaining insight into biofuel emissions performance and verifying its potential to help reduce carbon emissions.
The two-day trial, which took place in Amsterdam, oversaw tests being carried out at four different loads to assess the reliability and performance of the bio-fuel blend.
The experiment found that switching from LSMGO gasoline to B30 lowered particulate matter emissions by up to 42% and carbon monoxide was also decreased by 18%.
Jesper Sørensen, global head of new fuels and carbon markets at KPI OceanConnect, highlighted that through the company’s trials, they aim to gather long-term success for their customers: “We are very pleased to be partnering with the Uni-Tankers team on this project to deliver high-grade biofuel for their vessel in Amsterdam.
“By sharing our knowledge and providing expert guidance on fuel strategies, including finding the right biofuel blend ratio to meet the specific needs of vessel operators, we aim to build partnerships with our clients that support their long-term success through the energy transition in shipping.
"For KPI OceanConnect our close partnership with Uni-Tankers is a model for delivering excellence to our clients.”
