Virgin Voyages partners with RSB, Argent Energy, GoodFuels and Twelve for supply of marine biofuel

Photo: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is working to make its cruise ships more sustainable, through partnerships with independent sustainability experts the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, and three leading waste-based sustainable fuel providers, the company announced Sept. 21.

Following months of research, Virgin Voyages has taken an important step towards a low-carbon future by establishing these key partnerships and is working with multiple partners on sustainable marine fuel supply.

Because there’s no one-size-fits-all low-carbon fuel solution, Virgin Voyages will work with three companies through long-term partnerships to develop the best solutions:

• Twelve—A carbon-transformation company with technology using air instead of oil to produce materials and fuel sources

• Argent Energy—The European waste-based biodiesel producer with a vision to help decarbonize transport worldwide

• GoodFuels—Global market leader of accelerating the transition from harmful emissions into sustainable marine fuel by implementing waste-based technology

Adopting sustainable fuels, such as those made from waste, or direct air capture of CO2, is essential for reaching net zero by 2050.

Virgin Voyages estimates that by switching to sustainable marine fuels, the line will reduce its lifecycle carbon emissions from fuel by 75 percent or more.

“In order to significantly reduce our carbon footprint further, we must transition to lower-carbon fuel sources as soon as possible,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “We could do this today with our existing engines if more sustainable drop-in fuels were available in our ports of call. Unfortunately, these fuels are not yet widely available, and in most cases, are not cost competitive. We want to work with partners to pioneer for the essential change.”

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, added, “Virgin will always aim to be a leader in the industries we operate in. We aspire to make the cruise industry better in many ways including through climate action. I’m proud that Virgin Voyages will be working with industry partners and others to shape the future of more sustainable cruise travel and to bring about a real sea change for all.”

Virgin Voyages is championing key partnerships across the cruise industry and advocating for supportive policies and incentives that will enable these solutions to reach a great scale.

By working collectively with other leading stakeholders to drive demand and increase access to supply, Virgin Voyages is on a mission to change the industry for good.

This is an important step in developing the appropriate infrastructure and creating policies that reduce carbon emissions.