Eni and MSC Cruises test Enilive HVO diesel on cruise ship
- One engine on MSC Opera ran ~2,000 hours on 100% Enilive HVO diesel with no engine modifications
- Recorded emissions: NOx -16%, lower particulates, and lifecycle GHG roughly -80% due to 100% biogenic feedstocks
- HVO is produced at Enilive biorefineries in Venice and Gela from waste feedstocks (used cooking oils, animal fats, agri-food residues) and is available at Genoa, Ravenna and Venice
- Wärtsilä collected engine data and Bureau Veritas independently validated results; MSC Cruises targets net-zero GHG by 2050
Test overview
Eni and MSC Cruises tested Enilive HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel on MSC Opera by running one engine for approximately 2,000 hours on 100% HVO without engine modifications while recording performance and emissions data.
Emissions and performance
The trial showed comparable engine performance to conventional marine fuels, a NOx reduction of about 16%, lower particulate emissions, and an estimated lifecycle greenhouse‑gas (GHG) reduction of roughly 80% attributed to the use of 100% biogenic feedstocks in HVO production.
Production and supply
Enilive produces HVO at biorefineries in Venice and Gela using waste feedstocks such as used cooking oils, animal fats and agri‑food residues; marine HVO diesel is available for direct delivery at the ports of Genoa, Ravenna and Venice via barge.
Validation and regulatory relevance
Wärtsilä collected engine performance data and Bureau Veritas acted as independent certifier; the test supports HVO as an immediately applicable fuel option to reduce lifecycle emissions and to help meet obligations under the FuelEU Maritime regulation.
Source: Eni