In a significant step towards sustainability in the cruise industry, Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship operating from Barcelona, has successfully concluded its 12-week biofuel trials.
This initiative, which has been carried out in the Port of Barcelona, marks a milestone in the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives in maritime transport.
The Symphony of the Seas, which can accommodate more than 5,500 passengers at double occupancy and nearly 6,800 at maximum capacity, has been operating during the summer in Barcelona.
During this period, the U.S. shipping company Royal Caribbean conducted extensive tests using a biofuel blend.
According to the company, these tests have been a “success” and have set a precedent in the maritime industry by becoming the “first vessel in Barcelona to regularly use such a blend to meet part of its energy needs”.
Symphony of the Seas performs successful biofuel tests
The use of biofuels is a significant advance in the search for more sustainable alternatives in the cruise industry, which has come under scrutiny for its environmental impact and carbon emissions.
These sustainable biofuels are produced by purifying renewable feedstocks, such as used oils and fats, which are combined with fuel oil to create a cleaner, more environmentally friendly fuel.
The blend used in these tests is accredited by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), an international organization that guarantees the sustainability of biofuels and verifies the associated emission reductions.
This means that the biofuel used is a safe and environmentally friendly option for energy supply in maritime navigation.
The tests were not limited to Symphony of the Seas, as another ship of the same group, Celebrity Cruises, also participated in the trial in Rotterdam.
In addition, in the Americas, tests were conducted in Los Angeles and Vancouver, demonstrating the cruise industry’s interest and commitment to move towards greater sustainability.
Port of Barcelona pleased with the initiative
The president of the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó, praised this initiative as an important step in the fight against pollution from cruise ships and highlighted the commitment to innovation as a driver in the development of solutions to reduce carbon emissions in maritime transport.
The port is also working on the production and supply of zero-carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen and ammonia, to advance the maritime energy transition.
Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty has expressed his satisfaction with the results of the biofuel trials.
