Carnival Cruise Line’s latest addition, the Carnival Jubilee, recently underwent its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling at its Gulf Coast home port, as outlined in a press release. This event took place before the ship embarked on its voyage on December 30.

Rodger Rees, the port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, highlighted the significance of this development. He stated, “Providing LNG fuel at the port opens opportunities for the Port of Galveston to attract newer, technologically advanced cruise and cargo ships.” Rees emphasized the growing global adoption of LNG as a marine fuel and its benefits for both the environment and the economy. The use of LNG, known for being a clean-burning fuel, is expected to enhance air quality and generate additional employment opportunities.

The Carnival Jubilee, which is the first new ship to be based in Galveston, has engaged two companies for its fueling needs. The LNG is produced and supplied by Stabilis Solutions and is loaded onto the ship by Seaside LNG, using a specially designed barge.

The process of enabling LNG fueling at the port involved coordination and approvals from various organizations. These included the U.S. Coast Guard, Galveston Wharves, the Galveston Fire Department, Port of Galveston Police Department, Carnival Cruise Line, as well as Stabilis and Seaside.

Several preparatory steps were taken to ensure a smooth and safe fueling process. These included conducting studies and assessments, formulating emergency response plans, training personnel, and implementing extra security measures. The U.S. Coast Guard played a critical role in this process, ultimately issuing a letter of recommendation confirming that the LNG loading and bunkering operations adhered to federal regulations.