Eni and MSC validate HVO biofuel for cruise engines without hardware changes

Eni’s Enilive and MSC Cruises said a 2,000-hour trial of 100% hydrogenated vegetable oil diesel on an MSC Opera engine confirmed the fuel can run in marine engines without hardware modifications. The test showed performance comparable to conventional marine fuels, with a 16% reduction in NOx emissions, lower particulate emissions and an estimated lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions reduction of about 80%. Wartsila supported the engine assessment, and Bureau Veritas independently validated the results. The trial supports HVO as a near-term lower-carbon option for shipping as vessel operators face tighter FuelEU Maritime rules and rising emissions costs. Enilive produces HVO at its Venice and Gela biorefineries using waste-based feedstocks, including used cooking oil, animal fats and agri-food residues, and has made marine HVO available for barge delivery at Genoa, Ravenna and Venice.