Eni and MSC Cruises have successfully completed a major test of Enilive’s HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel, confirming the biofuel can be used in its pure form to power cruise ship engines—without modifications.
The trial is being hailed as a significant step for maritime decarbonisation, demonstrating that renewable diesel could be deployed immediately across parts of the shipping sector to cut emissions and comply with tightening regulations such as FuelEU Maritime.
During the test, one engine aboard the cruise ship MSC Opera ran for approximately 2,000 hours on 100% HVO, while engineers continuously monitored performance and emissions.
“This test demonstrated that HVO is an immediately applicable solution even for marine engines and without the need for technological upgrades, while ensuring performance in line with traditional marine fossil fuels.”
The results also pointed to measurable environmental gains. The trial recorded NOx emissions down by 16%, along with reduced particulate matter, while greenhouse gas emissions fell by around 80% compared with conventional marine fuel, driven by the use of 100% biogenic feedstocks in HVO production.
Technical validation was supported by engine manufacturer Wärtsilä and certified independently by Bureau Veritas, which assessed the performance and emissions data.
Stefano Ballista, Chief Executive Officer of Enilive, highlighted the fuel’s immediate potential for shipping decarbonisation.
“The trial with MSC has demonstrated how HVO diesel biofuel can contribute immediately to the decarbonization of maritime transport.
"It can be used in its pure form in marine engines validated for its use, allowing a reduction in climate-altering emissions – calculated along the entire supply chain – of between 65% and 90% compared to traditional marine fossil fuels.
"HVO is produced at Enilive’s biorefineries in Venice and Gela, mainly from waste feedstocks such as used cooking oils, animal fats, and residues from the agri-food industry."
The CEO added: "For several months now, Enilive’s marine HVO diesel has been available at the ports of Genoa, Ravenna and Venice for direct delivery from the terminal to vessels via barge. The use of this fuel represents a viable solution for the decarbonization of maritime transport, contributing to compliance with the obligations set by FuelEU Maritime regulation and reducing the emission-related costs”.
MSC Cruises also framed the trial as part of a broader transition strategy.
Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer di MSC Cruises, said: “We are very pleased to have satisfactorily confirmed the technical feasibility of 100% HVO on our cruise ship as part of our continuous decarbonization efforts.
"We believe HVO may play an important role in the decarbonisation of shipping and together with other immediately available fuels such as LNG and bio-LNG, constitutes an immediate opportunity that could be deployed on board cruise ships to accelerate the transition towards renewable fuels, bringing us a step closer to our ultimate goal of reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2050”.
