Holland America Line’s Rotterdam Cruise Ship Tests 100% Biofuel in Norwegian Fjords

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam cruise ship is undergoing a long-term test using 100 percent low carbon intensity biofuel while cruising the Norwegian fjord this season. The Carnival Corporation, which owns Holland America, has been conducting tests with biofuels on its cruise ships, moving from biofuel blends to 100 percent certified biofuel. The Rotterdam bunkered with biofuel supplied by GoodFuels before leaving the Port of Rotterdam, and is operating one of its engines using the biofuel during cruises in Norway’s fjords.

AIDA Cruises, another Carnival Corporation brand, also tested biofuels in marine diesel engines on its AIDAPrima cruise ship in 2022. The AIDAPrima became the first larger-scale cruise ship to take on a blend of marine biofuel during its cruises in Northern Europe. The cruise sector is catching up to the commercial shipping industry in testing biofuels, with Royal Caribbean Group also conducting tests on its cruise ships.

Holland America Line previously conducted a sustained trial of biofuel on its Volendam cruise ship while docked in Rotterdam in 2022. The cruise sector has reported successful tests with biofuels, showing a decrease in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. However, the availability of biofuel remains a limiting factor for the broader shipping industry. Carnival Corporation and other cruise companies continue to explore the use of biofuels as a more sustainable option for their fleets.

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