MSC Cruises and Eni confirmed the suitability of biofuel for use in cruise ship engines.

MSC Cruises and Eni confirm the suitability of HVO biofuel for cruise ships without engine modifications.

Testing conducted by Eni and MSC Cruises has confirmed the technical feasibility of using biofuel in its pure form to power cruise ship engines, as the cruise line announced in a press release.

During the trials with HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel from Enilive, one of the engines on the liner «MSC Opera» was powered by pure HVO for approximately 2,000 hours.



No engine modifications were made; performance and emissions data were recorded throughout the testing period.
The trial demonstrated that HVO can be used in marine engines without technological upgrades, while its performance remains in line with traditional marine fossil fuels.

Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer of MSC Cruises, noted: “We are very pleased to have successfully confirmed the technical feasibility of using 100% HVO on our cruise ship as part of our continuous decarbonization efforts. We believe HVO may play an important role in the decarbonization of shipping. Together with other immediately available fuels such as LNG and bio-LNG, it creates an immediate opportunity for deployment onboard cruise ships to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy. This brings us a step closer to our ultimate goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050”.

       
Consultation on any issues 

According to the press release, the testing recorded lower emissions of both nitrogen oxides (by 16%) and particulate matter. Furthermore, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions inherent to the origin of the HVO product was approximately 80% compared to traditional fuel. This reduction is attributed to the use of 100% biogenic feedstock in the HVO production process.

Technical data on engine performance and associated emissions were collected and assessed with the support of the engine manufacturer Wärtsilä and Bureau Veritas, which independently validated the results.

Stefano Ballista, CEO of Enilive, remarked that his company's marine HVO diesel has been available for several months at the ports of Genoa, Ravenna, and Venice for direct delivery from the terminal to vessels via barge.

He characterized the fuel as a viable solution for the decarbonization of maritime transport.

       
Consultation on any issues 

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