Weekly Newsletter

22 September 2023

Weekly Newsletter

22 September 2023

Two successful biofuel trials in Europe

The two successful bio fuel trials across Europe demonstrate the moves toward decarbonisation.

Cat Vitale September 21 2023

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.”

The metaverse may accelerate the travel industry’s recovery, though only compelling use cases will lead to adoption

Large travel and tourism organizations have begun exploring use cases for the metaverse following the devastating impact of the pandemic. Current applications either focus on digital marketing campaigns with real-world rewards for consumers, creating immersive experiences on-site for digitally savvy consumers through AR and VR metaverses, or improving operational efficiency through digital twin technology. However, its adoption by smaller operators will remain limited until use cases are affordable and provide a guaranteed ROI.

Newsletters by sectors

close

Sign up to the newsletter: In Brief

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Thank you for subscribing

View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network.

close