by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Tue June 6, 2023
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.”
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