AIDA Cruises continues tests on biofuels

AIDA Cruises continues to perform tests using biofuels to evaluate their feasibility for regular ship operations, as well as their potential for future use. 

Most recently, the German cruise line refueled its flagship AIDAprima cruise vessel entirely with renewable Bio Marine Fuel (BMF 100) for the first time. After refueling in Rotterdam, AIDAprima will test the new biofuel during regular ship operations on upcoming voyages from Hamburg through the fjords of Norway. The fuel performance will help determine its potential for future use across the AIDA fleet.

Fully compounded from advanced feedstocks organic waste or residue, BMF 100 is completely sustainable and is supplied by VARO Energy. The use of BMF 100 in cruise operations is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85 percent compared to conventional fossil fuels.

Working to identify viable solutions

According to AIA Cruises president Felix Eichhorn, the company continues its drive to identify advanced fuels and technologies that may be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operations. 

Eichhorn said: “In our search for the fuel mix of the future, we have been gathering valuable experience through trials using various biofuels since 2022, and we continue to closely cooperate with experts from industry and science to develop new approaches to continuously reduce emissions.” 

He added that a growing supply of biofuels or similar low-carbon alternatives is necessary for a sustainable future. These essentially need to be available globally at scale and priced reasonably enough.

A long-term investment

Over the years, AIDA Cruises invested a great deal towards a sustainable future for cruising as part of its decarbonisation strategy. 

In addition to trialling biofuels, the cruise line also uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) to deliver immediate greenhouse gas emission reductions in the absence of market-ready zero-emission maritime fuels. 

The line is also expanding its use of alternative energy sources such as shore power to operate ships in port, as well as onboard batteries to store extra energy for use during peak engine operation to reduce fuel use. 

Together with various partners, the cruise company is working intensively on further solutions for using renewable and synthetic fuels.