Viva Energy has commenced a marine biofuel trial in Sydney, marking the first use of sustainable fuel by a commercial cruise ship in Australian waters.
The initiative began on 5 April, with Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Edge bunkering B20 fuel ahead of departure from Port Jackson.
Richard Xin, Viva Energy’s General Manager of Specialities, Marine and Defence, said Viva is very pleased to conduct this trial with Royal Caribbean Group from its Sydney Harbour operations, a first-of-its-kind operation to deliver marine biofuel to a cruise ship in Australia.
“Viva Energy is committed to supporting our customers in reducing their carbon footprint by introducing new fuels and innovative supply chains. While the supply of biofuel is not new internationally, this trial is a crucial step towards establishing lower carbon marine fuels in Australia.”
The trial is focused on evaluating the operational performance and carbon reduction potential of B20—a blend of 80 per cent marine distillate and 20 per cent B100, derived from Australian used cooking oil. The B100 component is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC+) scheme, ensuring full traceability and carbon accounting.
The delivery was supported by Viva Energy’s extended marine supply chain in Sydney, with fuel transfer via barge assets operated in partnership with Polaris Marine. The trial also demonstrates the logistical viability of biofuel bunkering in Australian ports.
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