Cepsa commences 2G biofuel supply to Norwegian Cruise Line in Barcelona

Spanish bunker and biofuel supplier CEPSA on Thursday (29 August) said it has undertaken its first direct supply of second-generation biofuels for the cruise industry at the Port of Barcelona. 

Further supplies have been confirmed for the coming months, with biofuels available on a regular basis from the Ports of Barcelona and Algeciras.

Operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), the Norwegian Escape, a 1,069-feet-long passenger vessel, received the first supply in late July and is scheduled to lift biofuel supply throughout the EU season. 

The supplied fuel contains a 24% sustainable component, which will prevent the emission of approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to planting 200,000 trees. This biofuel has been produced from used cooking oils, promoting the circular economy. 

Cepsa also supplied biofuel for another two NCLH-operated vessels, the 734-feet-long Seven Seas Voyager and the 785-feet-long Oceania Riviera, in early August. 

Samir Fernández, director of Marine Fuel Solutions at Cepsa, said: “We are delighted that second-generation biofuels are now being harnessed by the cruise industry as they embark on their decarbonization journey.”

“Marine fuels can be used in ships without the need for modifications to their engines, and they have a high potential for reducing CO2 emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels, achieving a reduction of up to 90% throughout their life cycle, which makes them an ideal immediate solution.”

Photo credit: Cepsa
Published: 30 August, 2024