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Posted by Dale Crisp
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15 September, 2025
SYDNEY-headquartered Aurora Expeditions has completed evaluation of its first use of hydrotreated vegetable oil as a marine fuel and estimated a 90% reduction in greenhouse gases.
Aurora bunkered its expedition cruise ship Sylvia Earle with HVO – made entirely from used cooking oil - in Valencia, Spain, in May this year for its first biofuel trial, marking a milestone in the company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it says.
The ship operated for several days along the Spanish coastline running on 100% HVO, with the trial completed smoothly with no impact on engine performance. Preparations included cleaning the fuel tanks and managing the switchover, ensuring safe and reliable operations throughout.
According to the fuel’s Proof of Sustainability certification, this resulted in an estimated 90% reduction in fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional marine fuel.
“Operating in some of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions, we recognize that reducing emissions is one of our most urgent responsibilities,” Sasha Buch, sustainability manager at Aurora Expeditions, said.
“This first biofuel trial has provided valuable insights that will guide future testing and support the broader adoption of sustainable fuels in the maritime sector,” Ms Buch said.
While the global supply of alternative fuels remains limited, Aurora Expeditions is committed to building on this success with further trials when its vessels return to Europe in 2026.
Meanwhile, Aurora has taken delivery of its third Infinity-class expedition cruise ship, Daouglas Mawson.
The 120-pax vessel, an improved version of Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, is the seventh and last member of the class delivered to tonnage provider specialist SunStone Maritime Group.
It was handed over to SunStone by China Merchants Heavy Industry in Haimen on 9 September and promptly delivered to Aurora.
“We are very pleased with the performance of our Infinity Class, and we are proud to have now delivered seven of these beautiful vessels to the expedition market. Congratulations to Aurora Expeditions on their third Infinity,” said Carsten Lund, CEO of SunStone.
