Royal Caribbean Group has completed over 12 consecutive weeks of biofuel testing in Europe, marking a significant step in its commitment to cut emissions across its fleet. The company began testing biofuels in 2022 and expanded the trial this summer in Europe to two additional ships, Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex. These sustainable biofuel blends, which are accredited by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, are produced by purifying renewable raw materials like waste oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil to create a cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuel.
During the testing period, onboard technical systems met operational standards without safety concerns, demonstrating the reliability of the biofuel blend. The company plans to use the data collected during the trials to assess consumption levels, pricing, and efficiency, with the goal of expanding the use of biofuels to other ships in its fleet.
Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to finding lower-carbon energy solutions aligns with its SEA the Future initiative, aimed at sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation. The company’s success in biofuel testing supports its vision for net-zero cruising and contributes to the decarbonization of its operations.
In addition to biofuels, the company is exploring partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure the availability of biofuel and related infrastructure to advance the maritime energy transition. Collaboration between ports and shipping companies is seen as essential to accelerating the decarbonization of maritime transport.
The use of biofuels is part of a broader trend in the cruise industry to reduce emissions and adopt more sustainable practices. Other cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, have also been exploring alternative fuels and emission-reduction measures to make cruising more environmentally friendly.
Royal Caribbean Group’s continued commitment to sustainability reflects a growing awareness in the travel and tourism industry of the need to address environmental concerns and reduce the carbon footprint of cruise operations.