ROYAL Caribbean Group (RCG) is driving forward alternative fuel use with the successful completion of biofuel testing on board Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas (pictured) and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex. RCG this week completed more than 12 consecutive weeks of biofuel testing in Europe, which confirmed onboard technical...
ROYAL Caribbean Group (RCG) is driving forward alternative fuel use with the successful completion of biofuel testing on board Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas (pictured) and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex.
RCG this week completed more than 12 consecutive weeks of biofuel testing in Europe, which confirmed onboard technical systems meet the company’s operational standard without quality or safety concerns.
The biofuel blends tested were produced by purifying renewable raw materials like waste oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil to create an alternative which is cleaner and more sustainable.
Symphony departed from Barcelona and Apex from Rotterdam, with both ships accomplishing multiple sailings using biofuel and contributing critical data on the fuel’s capabilities, as well as its availability and scalability in Europe.
The tests demonstrate the biofuel blend is a reliable “drop in” supply of lower emission energy which ships can use.
Their results will help accelerate RCG’s plans to continue testing the use of different types of biofuels on upcoming European sailings this autumn.
The company is exploring strategic partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure the availability of biofuel and infrastructures to advance the maritime energy transition.
RCG first began testing biofuels last year before expanding the trial to Symphony and Apex in Europe this summer. MS
