Virgin sustainable fuel deal

VIRGIN Voyages has announced a new alliance with three global sustainability innovators, as part of its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The move also includes a new partnership with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, an independent global membership organisation aiming to drive a sustainable transition to a biobased and circular economy.

The line will enter into longterm agreements for sustainable marine fuels (SMF) with biofuels producers Argent Energy and GoodFuels, as well as a company called Twelve which uses proprietary technology to eliminate emissions by capturing CO2 from the air - companies which are all working to reduce the environmental impact of shipping through innovative fuel solutions.

Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said adopting sustainable fuels, such as those made from “abundant, problematic waste”, was paramount to reducing emissions.

“In order to significantly reduce our carbon footprint further, we must transition to lower-carbon fuel sources as soon as possible.

“We could do this today with our existing engines if more sustainable ‘drop-in’ fuels were available in our ports of call.

“Unfortunately, these fuels are not yet widely available, and in most cases are not cost competitive,” McAlpin said.

“We want to work with partners to pioneer for this essential change,” he said, with the new agreements seen as an important first step in developing the appropriate infrastructure and creating supportive policies for routine commercial use.

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson said the company would always aim to be a leader in the industries in which it operates.

“We aspire to make the cruise industry better in many ways, including through climate action.”