Celebrities’ next new build will be methanol-compatible

A statement from Celebrity Cruises said its parent company Royal Caribbean Group, technology group Wärtsilä, and shipyard Chantiers de L’Atlantique (CdA) will work together to advance alternative fuels in the cruise industry when it launches the fifth ship in the Edge Series.

The ship will continue to incorporate the innovation that was introduced with the Edge Series, as well as a new engine and equipment storage and delivery system that will allow the ship to accommodate three types of fuel, including methanol.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said, “We are also evolving our ship designs and offerings along with our fuel and technology landscape.” “We are ensuring our ships will be able to adapt as alternative, low-carbon-based solutions become more viable, paving the way for a more sustainable and zero-emission future by integrating tri-fueled engines.”

In 2018, Celebrity Cruises launched its Edge Series of ships, which boast the highest energy efficiency of all large vessels at sea. With each successive ship, we have developed new technologies and achieved breakthroughs by working collaboratively with our partners.”

A converted pair of Wärtsilä 46F engines that utilize three fuel sources, including methanol, will be delivered by Wärtsilä to provide the ship with fuel flexibility.

Besides advancing carbon-free cruising, the addition of methanol as a fuel option reduces emissions like sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulates.

As one of the most promising carbon-neutral fuel candidates for the marine industry, Wärtsilä has invested heavily in research. Wärtsilä 46F engines will be the first of our methanol-fueled conversions. Wärtsilä shares the commitment to decarbonize shipping, and this new-build project is a great boost towards that goal with the transparency of the partnership between the three companies,” said Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä.

As part of Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s decarbonization program, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is developing and integrating methanol systems on its cruise ships for the first time.

In January 2023, Wärtsilä placed an order for the engines. They include two 8-cylinder methanol-capable Wärtsilä 46F engines, two 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 46F engines, and one Wärtsilä 32 engine. Before the engines are commissioned, Wärtsilä will convert them to methanol engines.