Holland America Line Initiates Biofuel Pilot Program Aboard Its Flagship
Rotterdam VII
Holland America Line is embarking on a groundbreaking journey with the launch of a biofuel pilot program aboard its flagship, Rotterdam. Using 100 percent low carbon intensity biofuel—which is derived from organic waste and residues— to power one of its four engines, Rotterdam will navigate the pristine Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. In doing so, it will showcase the potential alternative fuel sources have to significantly mitigate the environmental impact of maritime operations.
The vessel bunkered the sustainable biofuel before departing from the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on April 27, 2024, embarking on a voyage that spans the stunning fjords. The biofuel, supplied by FincoEnergies and known as GoodFuels MR1-100, is certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive and promises an estimated 86 percent reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to traditional petroleum-based fuel.
“Holland America Line is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and we are excited to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us toward our pursuit of net zero emissions,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Converting items such as food waste into fuel is an innovative way to meet environmental challenges and we thank the Dutch government for its support.”
The initial phase of this long-term biofuel test will involve operating one of the Rotterdam’s four engines using the low carbon intensity oil during cruises throughout the month of May. However, there is the potential to expand the trial to multiple engines during the summer months, particularly when navigating through iconic Norwegian fjords, such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
About Biofuels
Biofuels, derived from feedstocks that are certified to be 100 percent organic waste or residue, offer a promising solution for reducing emissions without competing with food production, contributing to deforestation or taking up space on land. Made from leftover waste fats, oils and grease, biofuels’ production process is conducted with minimal emissions. This makes for significantly lower carbon intensity ratings compared to conventional marine gas oil (MGO), with an estimated 86 percent reduction in emissions compared to traditional fuel. What’s more, Holland America’s existing ships are able to run using biofuels without having to modify their engines or fuel structure.
“The GoodFuels MR1-100 fits the existing practice in shipping where heavier fuels are already used today” said Johannes Schurmann, Commercial Director International Marine at FincoEnergies. “Together with our clients, we optimize sustainability and cost of the biofuel, while not jeopardizing the performance in the engine and fuel system.”
“There is a need to look at all good alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future and we see biofuels as one of the alternatives that, with the right use and origin, will contribute to emission reductions, which we welcome. The Norwegian Maritime Authority takes a positive view of all measures taken by the industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Alf Tore, Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Holland America’s Sustainability Journey
Having completed a successful initial run in August 2022, Holland America’s new test program is one of the first long-term 100-percent biofuel trials to be conducted among Carnival Corporation brands during routine ship operations. The parent company’s German cruise line, AIDA, likewise tested the sustained use of GoodFuels’ biofuels on board AIDAprima in 2022. Although biofuels have undergone testing on sizeable diesel engines at onshore research facilities and in various shipping sectors, Carnival Corporation’s trials reach a new milestone as some of the first live tests conducted aboard operational cruise vessels.
As part of Carnival Corporation’s 2023 Sustainability Report, the company is making substantial progress toward its 2030 sustainability goals and its ultimate aim of achieving net zero emissions from ship operations by 2050. Through initiatives like the biofuel pilot test, Holland America Line is leading the way toward a more sustainable future for the cruise industry and the planet.