Cruise sector advances biofuel use with bunkering of Norwegian Viva in Piraeus
The delivery, carried out in cooperation with Greek supplier EKO, reflects growing international efforts to introduce lower-carbon fuels into regular cruise operations.
The bunkering marks the extension of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ biofuel activities into Southern Europe as part of its Sail & Sustain strategy. It follows earlier operations in Gibraltar, Copenhagen and the Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp region, as well as a previous delivery in Piraeus in July. These calls form part of the company’s work to incorporate sustainable fuels across its fleet as availability develops.
World Fuel Services said the operation demonstrates how certified alternative fuels can already be supplied at scale through coordinated supply chains combining global sourcing with local delivery capabilities. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings noted that the Piraeus bunkering forms part of its practical approach to lowering emissions while maintaining consistent vessel operations.
EKO, which supplied the waste-based biofuel, said the delivery underlines that the Greek market is ready for the broader uptake of biofuels across the Mediterranean.
Chrisanthopoulos Konstantinos, manager, marine fuels & services division, EKO said: “EKO is proud to contribute to this important milestone in Greece. By supplying waste-based biofuels locally, we are demonstrating the readiness of the market and the potential for wider adoption across the Mediterranean.”
As the maritime energy transition progresses, such collaborative bunkering operations illustrate how cruise operators can access lower-carbon fuels without major changes to onboard systems, contributing to incremental emissions reductions while longer-term fuel pathways continue to develop.
