Burando Energies partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) and World Fuel Services to supply biofuels to NCLH cruise ships during port stays in the Netherlands.
Rotterdam, Netherlands – August 27, 2025 – In a major stride toward maritime decarbonization, Burando Energies, World Fuel Services (WFS), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) have entered into a strategic collaboration to deliver sustainable marine fuels during port calls in the Netherlands across NCLH’s three renowned cruise brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The partnership represents a defining moment in the cruise industry’s ongoing transition toward low-emission operations. The initiative will be operational during the 2025 European cruise season, delivering ISCC-certified biofuel blends to six vessels in the NCLH fleet—including the flagship Norwegian Prima.
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B30 Biofuel Blend: Proven, Practical, Immediate
Each delivery includes a 30% blend of waste-based biodiesel, compliant with International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) standards. This drop-in fuel—designed to work seamlessly with existing engine systems—marks a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional marine fuels.
Unlike theoretical future fuels still in early R&D phases, this biofuel blend is available now, fully compatible with current maritime infrastructure, and already in use. It demonstrates a practical, immediate decarbonization pathway for the cruise sector, historically one of the more scrutinized segments in global shipping.
Sail & Sustain™: Strategy in Action
The biofuel deployment aligns directly with NCLH’s comprehensive Sail & Sustain™ environmental program, which commits to responsible operations and significant carbon reduction across the fleet. From fuel sourcing to onboard efficiency upgrades, NCLH is steadily moving toward long-term carbon neutrality goals.
“This collaboration is a real-world application of our decarbonization vision,” shared NCLH. “We are not waiting for tomorrow’s technology—this is about taking credible steps today.”
By integrating biofuels into port operations, NCLH ensures that sustainability is embedded not just at sea, but throughout its full operational lifecycle.
Burando Energies: Delivering More Than Just Fuel
As the physical supplier and logistics provider, Burando Energies played a pivotal role in delivering and blending the biofuel. With a growing fleet of specialized bunkering barges—some already prepared to handle green methanol and other advanced fuels—Burando continues to lead the charge in next-generation fuel logistics.
Its logistical precision and quality control ensured a smooth transition from traditional fuels to sustainable alternatives, proving the viability of biofuel bunkering at commercial scale.
“For us, this isn’t a pilot—it’s part of our operational roadmap,” shared Burando Energies “Sustainable bunkering is no longer niche. It’s necessary.”
World Fuel Services: Orchestrating the Transition
Acting as the project facilitator, World Fuel Services ensured the strategic alignment of all stakeholders and handled the intricate supply chain coordination. With deep expertise in global fuel markets and alternative energy integration, World Fuel Services was instrumental in bridging regulatory, logistical, and technical gaps.
Their involvement guarantees both regulatory compliance and operational continuity, critical for cruise lines navigating EU sustainability mandates, including FuelEU Maritime and Fit for 55.
A Replicable Model for the Industry
This collaboration isn’t just a case study—it’s a blueprint for the maritime sector at large. It proves that cruise lines, bunker suppliers, and global facilitators can jointly deliver scalable, real-world decarbonization results using fuels that meet today’s infrastructure standards.
By choosing a proven, drop-in fuel solution available at scale, Burando Energies, NCLH, and World Fuel Services are showing the industry what a responsible energy transition looks like—practical, proactive, and performance-driven.
Looking Ahead: Decarbonization, Not Just Discussion
With growing regulatory pressure and rising public scrutiny, cruise lines must now do more than make promises—they must show results. This partnership delivers just that: measurable emissions reductions, implemented through efficient, transparent collaboration.
The message is clear: Sustainable marine fuels are here, and the shipping industry no longer has to wait for decarbonization—it can act now.
About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH)
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company operating Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 32 cruise ships and approximately 66,500 berths, NCLH offers itineraries to around 700 destinations worldwide. The company plans to expand by adding 13 new ships across its brands by 2036, increasing its fleet capacity by approximately 41,000 berths.
About World Fuel Services (WFS)
World Fuel Services (WFS), a World Kinect company, provides integrated energy solutions that optimize fuel supply, logistics, financing, and risk management for aviation, marine, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors worldwide. Operating across more than 8,000 locations in over 200 countries, World Fuel Services delivers value through its comprehensive platform, enabling customers to focus on their core operations while advancing sustainability goals.
About Burando Energies
Burando Energies is a cornerstone of the maritime energy landscape and a trusted leader dedicated to advancing the industry’s journey toward sustainability. As part of the Burando Atlantic Group, with over 50 years of maritime experience, Burando Energies offers comprehensive energy solutions, logistics, and environmental services. Their extensive fleet and strategic port facilities enable them to address complex challenges and support the critical transition to cleaner, more efficient shipping operations aligned with IMO regulations.
Source Burando Energies