MSC Group’s Cruise Division used 9,839 metric tonnes (mt) of renewable fuels in 2025 across its fleet, according to its 2025 Sustainability Report published last week. 

The company used a combination of bio-LNG and biofuels across its fleet, resulting in emissions reduction of 48,714 mtCO2e compared to equivalent fossil fuels. 

Based on the Energy Transition Plan, the report showed that MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys remain on track to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for marine operations by 2050. In 2025, MSC Group’s Cruise Division achieved the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 carbon intensity reduction target five years ahead of schedule. 

The report said the MSC Cruises demonstrated a net-zero voyage using biomethane was possible with the launch of MSC Euribia in 2023. 

Since then it has actively engaged with fuel producers and suppliers to secure affordable high quality renewable fuels and in 2026, it began blending them into its operations at scale. 

The bio-LNG it sourced in 2025 was produced from a variety of different sustainable feedstocks, including food waste, sewage sludge, organic municipal waste and, most notably, manure. 

As most of its fleet remains conventionally powered, biodiesel represents the only drop-in solution available for these vessels today. 

In 2025, MSC Europa ran on a total of 6,856 mt of bio-LNG while MSC Opera used 1,727 mt of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). MSC Seaview sailed using 572 mt of HVO and 684 mt of a B24-VLSFO blend. 

Photo credit: MSC Cruises
Published: 3 June, 2026

Carnival Cruise Line’s LNG-powered flagship, Carnival Jubilee, recently bunkered LNG marine fuel in Roatán, Honduras.

According to Francesco Scarso, Senior First Engineer of Carnival Cruise Line, the event marked the first-ever ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation to take place in Roatán.

“​I recently acted as the Person in Charge (PIC) for the inaugural Ship-to-Ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation ever to take place in Roatán, Honduras—fueling Carnival Cruise Line’s beautiful LNG-powered flagship, the Carnival Jubilee,” he said in a social media post. 

“Executing a cryogenic transfer for an Excel-class vessel in a brand-new location brings immense responsibility. From coordinating with port authorities to managing strict safety zones, ensuring ESD link integration, the operation required total focus and zero room for error.”

He added that ​this successful operation marked a giant leap forward for sustainable shipping and the expansion of LNG fueling options.

Photo credit: Francesco Scarso
Published: 2 June, 2026

Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) on Monday (1 June) announced the acquisition of five product and chemical tankers as part of its continued fleet expansion.

HTM is the shipping venture launched by John A. Bassadone, founder and CEO of independent marine fuel supplier Peninsula.

The company acquired STI Madison (2014 LR2), STI Brooklyn (2015 MR2) and STI Black Hawk (2015 MR2) – acquired from Scorpio Tankers; and Nord Marvel (2020 MR2) and Nord Maverick (2020 MR2) – acquired from Norden.

 The acquisitions represent a combined investment of approximately USD 225 million, with all vessels secured on long-term commercial charters, reinforcing Hercules’ strategy of pairing asset ownership with contracted earnings visibility.

“The acquisitions have been completed against the backdrop of a firm tanker asset market, with second-hand values continuing to trade at historically elevated levels due to strong freight markets, constrained fleet growth and limited shipyard availability,” the company said. 

 All five vessels enter the Hercules fleet with long-term commercial employment already secured, consistent with the company’s strategy of combining asset-backed exposure to tanker markets, with downside protection through contracted earnings, and operational flexibility to serve the growing global cargo flows of its partners and affiliates.

The acquisitions form part of a broader and ongoing fleet development programme at Hercules. 

The company continues to progress its newbuilding programme with Jiangmen Hangtong Shipyard in China, where it has committed to a series of up to 10 ‘ultra-spec’ chemical tankers, designed with flexibility to supply conventional fuels, biofuels and methanol, alongside enhanced efficiency and emissions performance. 

In parallel, Hercules is also investing in next-generation energy infrastructure through the construction of an 18,000 cbm LNG bunkering vessel at Hyundai Mipo, scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Market benchmarks indicate vessels of this type are currently contracting at approximately USD 90–95 million per unit, underlining the strategic and capital commitment behind this segment.

John A. Bassadone, Founder and CEO of Hercules Tanker Management, said: “This is another step in building Hercules carefully and deliberately. We are not trying to grow for growth’s sake. Our focus is on acquiring the right assets, at the right time, with the right commercial backing.

“These vessels come with strong employment already in place, which provides stability, while still allowing us to participate in a market we believe has solid fundamentals over the medium term. We are fortunate to be in a position where global cargo flows can underpin our investments, and we remain mindful that discipline is critical in this cycle.

“Additionally, we are currently engaged in negotiations for newbuilds of all sizes including LR2s, MRs, and Handys, as well as additional ultra spec vessels.”

Related: Peninsula founder launches shipping firm Hercules Tanker Management
Related: Hercules Tanker Management plans fleet expansion with new chemical bunker tankers
Related: Hercules Tanker Management orders LNG bunkering vessel from Hyundai Mipo

Photo credit: Hercules Tanker Management
Published: 2 June, 2026