Eni and MSC Cruises Pioneer Sustainable Maritime Fuels

Date: San Donato Milanese, 12 May 2026

The sea may soon see a brighter, greener future thanks to a collaborative trial between Eni and MSC Cruises involving Enilive’s innovative HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel biofuel. This landmark test confirms the promising potential of HVO as a sustainable fuel source within the maritime transport sector, particularly for cruise ship engines.

A Step Towards Decarbonization

The joint initiative marks a significant step in the journey towards decarbonization, providing a tactical solution aimed at reducing life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with maritime fuel usage. With shipowners facing the challenge of changing regulations, such as the FuelEU Maritime regulation, HVO stands out as a strategic energy carrier capable of alleviating the financial burden tied to emission-related costs.

Real-World Testing

During the testing phase, MSC Opera, a cruise ship by MSC, operated one of its engines solely on pure HVO for approximately 2,000 hours. Notably, this was achieved without any modifications to the engine itself, ensuring that performance metrics remained comparable to traditional marine fossil fuels. The results were meticulously recorded, focusing on both performance and emissions data.

Impressive Environmental Impact

The outcomes of the test were striking. Not only did HVO deliver performance on par with conventional fuels, but it also resulted in a notable reduction in harmful emissions. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) were reduced by 16%, along with a significant drop in particulate emissions, translating to an estimated 80% reduction in GHG emissions, primarily stemming from the use of entirely biogenic feedstocks in HVO production.

Collaboration and Certification

To ensure the reliability of their findings, Eni and MSC collaborated with industry experts, including Wärtsilä, the engine manufacturer, and Bureau Veritas, an independent certifying agency. Together, they assessed the collected technical data on engine performance and emissions, underscoring the credibility of the results.

Voices from the Industry

Stefano Ballista, Chief Executive Officer of Enilive, remarked:

The trial with MSC has demonstrated how HVO diesel biofuel can contribute immediately to the decarbonization of maritime transport. Its application in marine engines—validated for its use—offers a significant reduction in climate-altering emissions across the entire supply chain.

Ballista emphasized that HVO is derived from sustainable resources, notably waste feedstocks like used cooking oils and animal fats, sourced from Enilive’s biorefineries located in Venice and Gela. This sustainable manufacturing process not only supports emissions targets but also directly benefits the environment.

Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer at MSC Cruises, also shared insights:

We are very pleased to have satisfactorily confirmed the technical feasibility of 100% HVO on our cruise ship as part of our continuous decarbonization efforts. We believe HVO may play an important role in the decarbonization of shipping.

Francioni noted that HVO, alongside other immediate alternatives like LNG and bio-LNG, represents a pivotal opportunity for accelerating the transition towards renewable fuels. This initiative aligns perfectly with MSC’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

For those keen on staying updated about the biodiesel landscape, visit Biofuels Central for the latest news shaping the biofuels market.

For further details on this pioneering trial between Eni and MSC Cruises, you can refer to the official source here.