AIDA Cruises Innovates Sustainability with 100% Renewable Bio Marine Fuel in Rotterdam

AIDA Cruises made a significant step towards sustainability on September 5, 2024, by refueling the AIDAprima with 100 percent renewable Bio Marine Fuel in the port of Rotterdam. This pilot project, aimed at evaluating the fuel’s performance in regular operations for potential future use, marks a key milestone in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The sustainable biofuel, produced from advanced feedstocks like organic waste and residue, was supplied by VARO Energy and is expected to reduce emissions by at least 85 percent compared to conventional fossil fuels.

AIDA Cruises President Felix Eichhorn emphasized the company’s commitment to identifying advanced fuels and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through trials with various biofuels since 2022, AIDA has been gathering valuable experience and collaborating closely with industry and science experts to develop new approaches for emission reduction. Eichhorn stressed the importance of a growing supply of biofuels and low-carbon alternative fuels globally to achieve a sustainable future.

Following the refueling in Rotterdam, the AIDAprima will test the biofuel during its upcoming voyages through Norway’s fjords, with performance assessments to determine its potential for future use across the AIDA fleet. VARO Energy, which supplied the biofuel, expressed excitement about the collaboration with AIDA and Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company. The company’s country president/vice president of commercial, Sacha Konan, highlighted their ongoing efforts to support marine customers in their decarbonization journey and looks forward to expanding biofuel offerings in the ARA region and beyond.

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