Celestyal Discovery Pioneers Biofuel in Greek Waters
Celestyal Cruises is championing sustainable cruising with Celestyal Discovery, the first cruise ship to operate in Greek waters using a marine biofuel blend. The landmark delivery took place at the Port of Lavrion, southeast of Athens, marking a significant step toward greener maritime travel for a boutique cruise line.
The marine biofuel blend was supplied by Coral Marine Products, SA, part of Motor Oil Group, in partnership with Celestyal Cruises. It combines conventional marine diesel with second-generation biofuel made from recycled cooking oils. Developed by Motor Oil’s subsidiary Verd, the fuel meets the new ISO 8217:2024 standards and cuts CO₂ emissions by around 21 percent compared to traditional marine fuel.
Captain George Koumpenas, chief operating officer at Celestyal, stressed the initiative’s impact on reducing the cruise sector’s environmental footprint in Greece. He said that adopting biofuel represents a meaningful shift toward sustainable cruising and underlines Celestyal Discovery’s role as an industry innovator committed to environmental stewardship.
Chris Theophilides, Celestyal’s chief executive officer, highlighted that sustainability is at the core of the company’s long-term vision. He noted that the partnership between local expertise and global ambition makes this biofuel project a defining moment for Celestyal Cruises, and he pledged to explore further eco-friendly solutions that safeguard the planet while enhancing the cruising experience.
Celestyal Discovery joined the fleet in November 2023 and recently completed its second multi-million euro refurbishment. Accommodating 1,360 guests, the ship received upgraded cabins, refreshed public spaces and enhanced technical systems, providing an ideal platform to test and showcase sustainable technologies in active service.
From April through November 2025, Celestyal Discovery will offer three- and four-night Iconic Greek Islands cruises departing from Athens, with port calls in Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini. Fares start at $389 per person, making eco-conscious travel on a boutique cruise line both appealing and accessible.
Following the Greek season, Celestyal Discovery will reposition to the Arabian Gulf for its Iconic Arabia series. Three- and four-night itineraries will depart Abu Dhabi and visit Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Khasab and Ras al Khaimah. Pricing begins at $718 for two guests on a three-night voyage and $918 for two on a four-night cruise.
Celestyal Cruises’ pioneering use of marine biofuel underscores the growing push for sustainable cruise operations. By partnering with regional suppliers and adopting advanced fuel standards, the line shows that boutique operators can reduce greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing luxury or service quality. The success of this trial is poised to influence future cruise industry fuel strategies.
As demand for eco-friendly travel continues to rise, Celestyal Cruises is positioned to lead the boutique segment toward greater environmental responsibility. The company will monitor performance metrics and collaborate with maritime authorities to expand biofuel usage fleetwide. Guests and partners can look forward to ongoing innovation in sustainable operations as Celestyal Cruises navigates toward cleaner, responsible cruising.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Celestyal+Cruises