MIAMI, FL - November 1, 2023 – Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s newest travel brand, is proud to announce the successful completion of its inaugural sustainable marine fuel trial. As a brand driven by its purpose of “Creating an Epic Sea Change for All,” the commencement of the trial marks a major milestone in Virgin Voyages’ sustainability program and steadfast commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Virgin Voyages is among several industry pioneers who have committed to testing sustainable marine fuels, such as waste-based biofuels. The brand’s Barcelona-based vessel, Valiant Lady, bunkered the fuel on Sept. 24 and completed testing and burning of the fuel on Oct. 16. Throughout the trial, the team analyzed the fuel and engine performance during bunkering, storing and burning of the fuel, ensuring it met lab requirements as well as operational expectations.
The fuel mixture was a combination of 20% used cooking oil, which met global ISCC certification, and 80% conventional heavy fuel oil, a purposeful choice as heavy fuel accounts for the largest pool of fuel consumed by maritime vessels.
Jill Stoneberg, Sr. Director of Social Impact and Sustainability for Virgin Voyages said, “There are a variety of blended fuel options that are becoming available. We were especially interested in testing the performance of sustainable fuel mixed with heavy fuel oil. The latter makes up a significant portion of the industry’s fuel demand and therefore, is one of the greatest opportunities for transitioning to lower-carbon fuel solutions”.
Virgin Voyages has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Additionally, the brand remains dedicated to its sea change commitment, which includes being champions of ocean health, encouraging sustainable practices among Sailors and promoting responsible tourism in the 100+ ports of call that the brand visits. Virgin Voyages has eliminated unnecessary single-use plastics across its fleet, emphasizes sustainably sourced goods and food products and regularly engages in social impact initiatives. The on-board “Sea Change Fund”, for example, supports mangrove reforestation in the Caribbean.
Stoneberg added, “Completing our first sustainable fuel trial is incredibly promising; this is a near-term solution for the shipping and cruising industry. Sustainable, bio-based fuels can work with our existing engines today, and we could transition to these cleaner fuels now if they were more readily available and affordable. We’re encouraging our cruising counterparts to ask for and test these fuels as stronger demand will ultimately help accelerate the market”.
In 2025, the industry will be required to start using more sustainable fuels for a portion of its fuel demand to comply with the FuelEU Maritime regulation in the European Union. Virgin Voyages is preparing for this shift and is exploring how sustainable fuel adoption will accelerate its decarbonization strategy in the near term. The company will also continue to advocate for robust sustainability standards for waste-based biofuels, such as RSB.
For more information on Virgin Voyages’ sustainability program and company environmental objectives, please visit www.virginvoyages.com/sustainability.
About Virgin Voyages
Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages is the award-winning, exclusively adult cruise line founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering unforgettable, relaxing vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021. Inspired by superyacht design, its fleet of Lady Ships exemplify an elevated, boutique hotel at sea with contemporary spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami, Barcelona, and Athens, the fleet offers more than 60 unique itineraries, sailing to 100 incredible ports of call.
On-board, 20+ eateries feature culinary experiences from Michelin-star chefs, stylish workout spaces and group fitness classes are offered daily, and a festival-like line-up of intimate and larger-than-life shows are on the agenda. Paired with modern, tech-savvy cabins, designer suites fit for a rockstar, and a mermaid-inspired spa and thermal suite, the brand is taking the industry by storm. In 2023, Virgin Voyages won Travel + Leisure’s highly coveted World’s Best Award for the best mega-ship ocean cruise line and swept the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards - the first time a brand has won in all five categories.
