Holland America’s Cruise Ship Rotterdam Begins Sustained Biofuel Pilot Test

Holland America Line Tests 100% Low Carbon Intensity Biofuel on Flagship Cruise Ship

Holland America Line’s flagship cruise ship, Rotterdam (99,935 gross tons), has embarked on a long-term test using 100 percent low carbon intensity biofuel while cruising the Norwegian fjord this season. This test is part of Carnival Corporation’s efforts to explore sustainable solutions in the maritime industry, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Biofuel Test and Environmental Impact

1. The Rotterdam bunkered with biofuel derived from feedstocks by GoodFuels and supplied by FincoEneries before departing from the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands on April 27.
2. No modifications were made to the ship’s engine or fuel structure, as past experience has shown that Holland America cruise ships can operate on biofuels without any changes.
3. During the initial phase of the test, one of the Rotterdam‘s four engines will operate using the biofuel, resulting in an estimated 86 percent reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
4. The biofuel will be used while cruising in Norway’s fjords, including Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord.
5. As the test progresses, there is a potential to expand the use of biofuel to multiple engines during the summer.

Previous Biofuel Tests by Carnival Corporation

• AIDA Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, conducted tests on the AIDAPrima (125,572 gross tons) in 2022. The ship became the first larger-scale cruise ship to bunker a blend of marine biofuel.
• The AIDAPrima was also equipped with dual-fuel engines that could burn LNG alongside biofuel.
• Holland America conducted the first sustained trial of biofuel aboard its cruise ship Volendam (61,214 gross tons) in August and September 2022. The test resulted in a minimum 78 percent decrease in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to marine gas oil emissions.

Biofuel Tests in the Commercial Shipping Industry

The cruise sector is following the footsteps of other parts of the commercial shipping industry in testing biofuels. Royal Caribbean Group also began tests in 2022 and successfully conducted sustainable biofuel blend tests on their ships, including Symphony of the Seas (228,000 gross tons) and Celebrity Apex (129,500 gross tons). These tests marked a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group’s alternative fuel journey.

Challenges and Future Considerations

While the tests of biofuels have been successful, the availability of biofuel remains a limitation for the broader shipping industry. Efforts are needed to increase the production and accessibility of sustainable biofuels to support the transition towards greener maritime operations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the use of biofuels in cruise ships, which is connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) as it aims to promote the use of low carbon intensity biofuel. It also addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) as the use of biofuels can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the article mentions the tests conducted in the maritime industry, indicating a focus on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans. Lastly, the involvement of multiple organizations and research partners highlights the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in achieving sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships

The use of low carbon intensity biofuel in cruise ships contributes to the target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2). The integration of biofuels into the maritime industry’s practices aligns with the target of integrating climate change measures into national policies and strategies (SDG 13.2). The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the use of biofuels supports the goal of preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution (SDG 14.1). Lastly, the collaboration between cruise lines, research partners, and suppliers demonstrates the promotion of effective partnerships (SDG 17.17).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of biofuel used in cruise ship engines
• Reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions
• Amount of biofuel bunkered by cruise ships
• Percentage decrease in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to traditional fuel

The article mentions the use of 100 percent low carbon intensity biofuel in cruise ship engines, indicating a measurable indicator of the percentage of biofuel used. The expected reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions can also serve as an indicator to measure progress towards climate action targets. Additionally, the amount of biofuel bunkered by cruise ships and the percentage decrease in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to traditional fuel can be used as indicators to assess the impact of biofuel adoption in the maritime industry.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: maritime-executive.com

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