An announcement was made by Royal Caribbean Group that over 12 weeks of biofuel testing had been completed in Europe.

As president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Jason Liberty said, “This is a critical moment for the company’s alternative fuel journey”. We are one step closer to achieving net-zero cruising after a successful trial of biofuels this summer. To help protect and promote the vibrant oceans we sail, we are committed to accelerating innovation and improving how we deliver vacation experiences responsibly.”

As part of the ship’s fuel needs, Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas tested and used a biofuel blend for the first time on September 19.

Tests across Europe also provided pertinent insights into the availability and scalability of biofuel in the region, providing confirmation that onboard technical systems met operational standards without safety concerns.

It is clear from Royal Caribbean’s success that commitment to innovation makes it possible to develop decarbonized maritime solutions. Specifically, it pertains to the cruise industry and concentrates on biofuels, which the Port of Barcelona is already working to establish as an energy hub for the region. In addition to producing and supplying zero-carbon fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia, the Port of Barcelona also produces and supplies almost zero-carbon alternative fuels like methanol and biofuels. Maritime transport can be decarbonized through innovation and collaboration between ports and shipping companies, according to LLuis Salvadó, the president of the Port of Barcelona.

In 2022, Royal Caribbean began testing biofuels, and this summer, the trail was expanded in Europe to two other ships, the Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex. To create a sustainable, cleaner fuel, we purified waste oils and fats and combined them with fuel oil to make biofuel blends. International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) accredited the biofuel blends tested.

There have been several sailings using biofuel aboard the Symphony of the Seas and the Celebrity Apex, and both ships have provided data on the fuel’s capabilities. The company said Royal Caribbean Group will continue testing a variety of different types of biofuels on upcoming European sailings this fall, and is exploring partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure that biofuel and infrastructure are available to advance maritime energy transitions.