Celestyal Discovery has become the first vessel in Greek waters to be refuelled using a marine biofuel blend.
The delivery, conducted at the Port of Lavrion, was carried out by Coral Marine Products SA, part of Motor Oil Group, in partnership with Celestyal.
The locally produced blend combines conventional marine fuel with a second-generation biofuel derived from recycled cooking oils.
The innovation, created by Motor Oil’s subsidiary Verd, is fully compliant with the new ISO standards and is credited with reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 21%.
Captain George Koumpenas, COO at Celestyal, said: “This initiative marks a meaningful shift toward sustainable cruising. We are proud that Celestyal Discovery is taking the lead in reducing the environmental footprint of the cruise sector in Greece.”
Chris Theophilides, CEO at Celestyal, added: “From refreshing our fleet to expanding our itineraries, sustainability is central to our long-term vision. This pioneering use of biofuel is a proud moment for us.”
The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery joined the Celestyal fleet in November 2023 and has recently undergone her second multi-million euro refurbishment.
From April to November, the ship will offer three- and four-night night ‘Iconic Greek Islands’ cruises departing Athens calling at Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini.
Discovery will then reposition to the Arabian Gulf offering three- and four-night night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises departing Abu Dhabi calling at Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Khasab and Ras al Khaimah.
