Virgin Voyages announced that it had partnered with independent sustainability experts, RSB-Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, along with 3 leading waste-based sustainable fuel providers in order to deliver low carbon fuels to the marine industry.
GoodFuels, Twelve, and Argent Energy are collaborating with Virgin to further advance its commitment to reaching net zero by 2050.
After months of detailed research, the UK-based new cruise company has taken a major step to advance a low-carbon future through establishing key partnerships/building a portfolio approach to SMF-sustainable marine fuel supply. Recognizing there's currently no one-size-fits-all, low-carbon fuel solution, Virgin will enter into long-term agreements for sustainable marine fuels with those providers and plans to add others over time.
Adopting drop-in sustainable fuels like those made from abundant, problematic waste/direct air capture of CO2, is paramount for reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company estimates that by switching to sustainable marine fuels, it will reduce its life-cycle carbon emissions from fuel by ~75%/more.
The action includes championing key partnerships across the cruise industry and advocating for supportive policies that will enable the solutions to reach a greater scale. Virgin is prepared to rise to the occasion by working with other leading stakeholders to increase access to supply. This is a major first step in developing the appropriate infrastructure/creating supportive policies for routine commercial use.