Holland America Line has announced the commencement of a long-term biofuel test on its flagship, the Rotterdam. The ship will leverage 100% low-carbon biofuel while sailing within the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. The Rotterdam bunkered the biofuel before leaving the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on April 27, 2024.

The ship will operate one of its four engines using low-carbon intensity oil derived from organic waste or residues. It will be certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive while in the Fjords. The GoodFuels MR1-100 sustainable biofuel supplied by FincoEnergies will yield an estimated 86% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

“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 achieve 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 tests will occur on one of the ship’s four engines during cruises this month, with the potential to expand to multiple engines during the summer while operating in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, specifically Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Biofuels: A Sustainable Alternative

Biofuels are derived from feedstocks certified as 100% organic waste or residue, with no risk of land-use change or deforestation and no competition with food production. Fuel biofuels are associated with minimal emissions during production, produced from waste fats, oils, and grease leftover from feedstock processing. This results in a very low carbon intensity, with an estimated reduction of 86% in emissions compared to marine gas oil (MGO).

Holland America Line’s existing ships operate on biofuels without engine or fuel structure modifications. The company continues to partner with companies to find ways to reduce emissions and develop alternative fuels and technologies.

“The GoodFuels MR1-100 fits the existing practice in shipping where heavier fuels are already used today,” said Johannes Schurmann, Commercial Director of 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 at Norwegian Maritime Authority.

Holland America Line’s Commitment to Sustainability

Holland America Line is one of the first Carnival Corporation brands to run a long-term 100% biofuel shipboard operation, completing a successful first test in August 2022. Carnival Corporation’s German line AIDA also tested GoodFuels biofuels on board AIDAprima in Rotterdam in 2022.

While biofuels have been tested on large diesel engines at shoreside research facilities and in other shipping segments, these are among the first live tests on working cruise ships. The two cruise lines’ biofuel tests support Carnival Corporation’s overall environmental mission, goals, and aspirations.

Carnival Corporation’s 2023 Sustainability Report, released in April 2024, shows the company making significant achievements toward its 2030 goals and the overall aspiration to achieve net zero emissions from ship operations by 2050.