Aurora Expeditions has taken a notable step toward sustainable maritime operations by completing its first trial of biofuel aboard the expedition vessel Sylvia Earle. Conducted in May 2025 at Valencia, Spain, the test involved running the ship entirely on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a fuel derived from used cooking oil. Early results indicated that emissions related to fuel use were reduced by as much as 90% compared with conventional marine fuels.
The process required a comprehensive cleaning of the fuel tanks before the changeover, after which the ship operated for several days along the Spanish coast without disruption to performance. The smooth transition confirmed the technical viability of HVO for expedition conditions, paving the way for future adoption across Aurora’s fleet. The company noted that this development reinforced its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its voyages.
The implications of the trial extend beyond a single vessel. HVO, as a renewable fuel derived from waste materials, not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also supports a circular economy. This aligns with international efforts to reduce maritime emissions under the Paris Agreement and the International Maritime Organization’s regulations. The successful trial suggests that biofuels could play a key role in helping the cruise sector meet its decarbonization targets.
The Sylvia Earle, an Infinity-class ship, became the first expedition vessel of its type to complete such a trial in Spain. With Aurora Expeditions planning further tests when its fleet returns to Europe in 2026, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of responsible cruising. Future plans include combining fuel innovation with broader emissions-reduction programmes to ensure that exploration of remote coastal and polar regions remains compatible with global carbon limits.
This inaugural trial marks more than an isolated achievement; it signals a shift in how expedition cruising can be conducted. By proving the practicality of HVO at sea, Aurora Expeditions has set a course toward a future in which cleaner fuels form part of the standard operational framework for the industry. The initiative not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also strengthens the appeal of expedition cruising to environmentally conscious travellers.