Cepsa begins supply of marine biofuels to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings at Port of Barcelona

Photo: Cepsa

Cepsa, a leading supplier of energy for maritime transport in Spain, announced Aug. 29 that 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.

The supplied fuel contains a 24 percent sustainable component, which will prevent the emission of approximately 3,000 tons of CO2, equivalent to planting 200,000 trees, according to Cepsa.

This biofuel has been produced from used cooking oils, promoting the circular economy.

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

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

With this supply, Cepsa said it further solidifies its position as a benchmark in the energy transition and a leader in the supply of energy for maritime transportation.

Cepsa has the capacity to supply these sustainable fuels to the cruise industry on a regular basis at the Spanish ports where it operates.

“We are delighted that second-generation biofuels are now being harnessed by the cruise industry as they embark on their decarbonization journey,” said Samir Fernández, director of marine-fuel solutions at Cepsa. “Marine [biofuels] 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 percent throughout their lifecycle, which makes them an ideal immediate solution.”

This development comes at a time when the Cruise Lines International Association is turning its attention to ensure that the sector has sufficient access to low-carbon fuels in pursuing net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.

According to CLIA’s latest State of the Cruise Industry Report, in 2023, over 31 million people globally chose to take a cruise, with over 8 million in Europe.

With the sector rebounding significantly after the pandemic, enabling meaningful and rapid decarbonization is key.

The International Energy Agency notes that, historically, oil-based fuels have met over 99 percent of the total energy demand for international shipping.

In order to achieve net zero, the sector’s use of alternative fuels, including biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia and electricity, will need to increase.

The use of biofuels enables shipping companies to meet the objectives of the European Union and the International Maritime Organization.

Specifically, the European Commission’s Fit for 55 package includes the Fuel EU maritime legislative initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions intensity in maritime transport by 2 percent in 2025, 6 percent in 2030 and 80 percent in 2050, compared to 2020 levels, through the use of sustainable fuels.

Concurrently, the IMO has updated its strategy for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in maritime transportation, establishing ambitious targets that will incrementally rise from 20 percent in 2030 to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, compared to 2008 levels.