“AIDAprima” refuelled with 100% renewable bio bunker fuel in Rotterdam

AIDA Cruises, which is part of Carnival Corporation, on Tuesday (10 September) said cruise ship AIDAprima was refuelled with 100% renewable biofuel, BMF100, for the first time in Port of Rotterdam on 5 September.

BMF100 is a mixed biofuel that is based entirely on advanced waste and residue streams and, according to the provider VARO Energy, enables a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 85% compared to conventional fossil fuels. 

Extensive tests are now intended to show how this fuel performs in regular ship operations and what potential it offers for future use on board the AIDA fleet.

“Our focus is on the question of which technologies and fuels we can use to further advance the decarbonisation of shipping. In our search for the fuel mix of the future, we have been gaining valuable experience with the use of various biofuels since 2022.”

“In close cooperation with experts from industry and science, we are developing new approaches to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said AIDA Cruises President Felix Eichhorn. 

“In order to achieve a sustainable impact, we need a growing supply, not only of biofuels, but also of other alternative fuels at marketable prices that are also available worldwide.”

After refuelling in Rotterdam, the new biofuel will be tested in regular ship operations on AIDAprima’s upcoming voyages from Hamburg through the fjords of Norway.

Sacha Konan, Country President / VP Commercial Benelux & France at VARO Energy, said: “Since 2019, VARO has successfully developed, blended and supplied a wide range of biofuels for ship bunkering. Our products include B30/B100, HVO (up to 100 percent) and various low FAME biofuel blends.”

“We are delighted to be able to supply AIDAprima, a ship of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company.”

“This bunkering, which took place near our Rotterdam office, reflects our ongoing efforts to support our shipping customers on their journey to decarbonization as the industry adapts to new regulations. We look forward to continuing our work with AIDA and expanding our biofuel offering in the ARA region and beyond.”

Photo credit: AIDA Cruises
Published: 11 September, 2024