In a decisive leap for sustainable cruising, Aurora Expeditions has finalized the inaugural biofuel test aboard its expedition vessel Sylvia Earle while docked in Valencia, Spain. Running entirely on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), the trial demonstrates a voyage-level commitment to slashing the carbon footprint of maritime tourism. Data from the test suggest a potential drop of up to 90% in operational greenhouse gas emissions, framing the project as a decisive advance toward greener travel at sea. By proving the fuel's reliability in expedition conditions, Aurora Expedition authorizes a next generation of eco-focused itineraries well before 2030.
Sustainable tourism has become a significant priority for the travel industry, especially for sectors with higher environmental footprints like cruising. The cruise sector, known for its luxury and leisure, is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon emissions and move toward greener alternatives. Aurora Expeditions' innovative biofuel trial represents a significant milestone in this shift. By using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), the company is aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce the environmental impact of the travel industry.
This move is part of a broader effort to make maritime tourism more sustainable by lowering carbon emissions, reducing fuel consumption, and utilizing renewable energy sources. The trial highlights the potential of HVO, which is derived entirely from used cooking oil, to significantly lessen the environmental footprint of cruise ships without compromising engine performance or safety.
In May 2025, Sylvia Earle, an Infinity-class vessel, became the first of its kind to trial the biofuel in Spain. The fuel was bunkered in Valencia, and the ship then operated along the Spanish coast for several days on 100% HVO. The results were promising: an estimated 90% reduction in fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine fuels.
The trial was meticulously planned, involving a comprehensive cleaning of the vessel's fuel tanks and a careful switchover to ensure smooth operations. This allowed the ship to continue its journey without any disruption to its performance, marking a successful first trial for biofuels in the cruise industry.
The smooth execution of this trial also opens up the possibility of further use of HVO and similar fuels across other vessels in the fleet, advancing Aurora Expeditions' commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism practices.
The environmental benefits of HVO are undeniable. With a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the trial signals the potential for the cruise industry to dramatically lower its environmental impact. This aligns with global efforts to meet the targets set in the Paris Agreement and the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) regulations for reducing shipping emissions.
By adopting cleaner fuels like HVO, the cruise sector can play a key role in reducing the industry's reliance on fossil fuels, thus contributing to broader climate change mitigation goals. This move not only enhances the sustainability of the travel and tourism sector but also helps to attract environmentally conscious travelers who are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly vacation options.
Furthermore, as biofuels like HVO are derived from waste materials, they provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels, ensuring a circular economy that reduces environmental degradation.
While the supply of alternative fuels like HVO remains limited globally, Aurora Expeditions is committed to continuing its efforts toward cleaner travel. The company plans further trials and experimentation with sustainable fuels, especially as its vessels return to Europe in 2026.
The maritime industry, supported by various governments and international organizations, is rapidly moving toward decarbonization. Governments such as the U.S. Department of Energy are actively promoting the development and adoption of alternative marine fuels, which will help accelerate the transition to sustainable maritime tourism.
This first successful biofuel trial is not just a victory for Aurora Expeditions but a crucial step in the global shift towards more sustainable, eco-conscious travel options. As the industry continues to explore new, greener technologies, the adoption of biofuels like HVO could become a standard practice, leading to cleaner, greener cruises worldwide.
The successful biofuel trial by Aurora Expeditions aboard Sylvia Earle marks a turning point for the global cruise sector, raising the bar for conscious maritime tourism. By demonstrating the commercial viability of HVO biofuels, the expedition line has moved beyond intention to action, reinforcing its status as a pacesetter in the industry's green evolution. Business decisions are now guided by the ambitious goal of shrinking the carbon footprint across the entire voyage.
Plans for expanding Biofuel testing -- combined with a shipboard emissions-reduction programme -- point to a future where responsible cruising is no longer a secondary offering. industry, the transition from fossil to renewable alternatives like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil reinforces a pathway to share the world's greatest coastal and polar treasures with generations yet to come, and still within the globally accepted carbon-budgets. Aurora has equipped its guests with a voyage which is as pioneering as it is inspirational.