The testing was conducted on a Wärtsilä ZA40 engine installed onboard the Holland America Line vessel called Volendam. Credit: Wärtsilä.

Wärtsilä has collaborated with cruise operator Carnival’s Holland America Line and Netherlands-based GoodFuels to conduct ship trials using biofuel blends.

The tests have been conducted with 100% biofuel to assess the effect on overall engine performance and engine emissions, as well as a 70% diesel / 30% biofuel blend.

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The trial was conducted on a Wärtsilä ZA40 engine fitted onboard Volendam, a Holland America Line ship.

It is claimed to be the first trial by Wärtsilä on a cruise ship running with 100% biofuel, with previous tests involving lower blends of biofuel.

Wärtsilä’s works included the preparation of the testing protocols and assessment of the fuel testing and lube oil testing results.

It is also involved in the supervision of tests and post-testing analyses such as engine inspections, performance evaluation, and measurements of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

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The biofuel trials are expected to help Carnival cut down carbon per available-lower-berth-day by 40% by 2030 and extend its alternative fuels strategy across its liquefied natural gas (LNG) programme and battery, fuel cell, and biofuel capabilities.

It will also enable the firm reach its 2030 target for 50% reduction in absolute air emissions of particulate matter and 2050 target for net carbon neutral operations.

Wärtsilä North America managing director and strategic account management director Ricardo Opperman said: “We are continuously developing our engine technology to accept and retain operational and environmental efficiency levels with various future fuels, including biofuels.

“These sea trials with 100% biofuel will be especially important – for GoodFuels, for Wärtsilä, and for the industry as a whole.”

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