Royal Caribbean Group Running Alternative Fuel Tests This Summer in Europe
Royal Caribbean Group announced plans to set a new industry milestone in alternative fuel use when two of its ships use sustainable biofuel when they sail in Europe this summer.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex and Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas will sail Europe using sustainable biofuel to meet part of each vessel’s fuel needs. The landmark test will contribute critical data and research on the fuel’s capabilities and supply chain infrastructure needed to further the industry’s alternative fuel ambitions.
As part of the three-month test, Celebrity Apex will depart from the Port of Rotterdam and Symphony of the Seas will depart from the Port of Barcelona using a biofuel blend that reduces each ship’s carbon emissions.
“Biofuels will play an increasingly important role in achieving, not only our own, but the entire maritime sector’s decarbonization goals in the short and medium term,” Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said. “We take great pride in continuing to push our industry forward in exploring innovative fuel solutions that reduce carbon impact and preserve the vibrancy of the oceans we sail.”
The cruise company plans to increase the use of alternative fuel to meet the needs of its vessels. After the trials, Royal Caribbean Group intends to scale up the use of alternative fuels, including biofuels, across upcoming European summer sailings.
Building on a portfolio of technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, water treatment and waste management, trialing biofuels is a step that moves the company closer to achieving Destination Net Zero, its goal for net-zero emissions by 2050.
“With our sights set on a bright and sustainable future, we are committed to collaboration and innovation to ensure we deliver great vacation experiences, responsibly,” Liberty continued. “With the completion of the trials our hope is to advance our ships’ ability to meaningfully reduce emissions and propel forward strategic partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure there is sufficient availability of biofuel and infrastructures to make maritime energy transition a reality.”