Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has released its 2025 Sail & Sustain report, highlighting progress across a range of environmental, social, and governance initiatives, including expanded use of renewable fuels and shore power technology throughout its fleet.
The report details advancements made under the company’s five-pillar sustainability framework, which focuses on environmental stewardship, safety, workforce development, community engagement, and corporate accountability.
Among the most notable achievements was the company’s expansion of alternative fuel testing. NCLH reported that 76% of its fleet participated in biofuel trials during 2025, surpassing its original goal of testing 60% of vessels. The trials included the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), renewable diesel, and biodiesel blends across multiple ships as the company evaluated opportunities to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from marine operations.
The milestone reflects a growing trend throughout the maritime industry, where renewable fuels are increasingly being viewed as practical near-term solutions for lowering emissions from existing vessels. Unlike some emerging technologies that require significant infrastructure changes or new vessel designs, biodiesel and renewable diesel can often be used in existing diesel engines with little or no modification, allowing operators to reduce emissions while continuing to utilize current assets.
The cruise sector faces unique decarbonization challenges due to the size, power demands, and long service lives of oceangoing vessels. As a result, many industry observers view renewable fuels as an important bridge technology that can deliver immediate environmental benefits while longer-term solutions continue to develop.
Beyond fuel initiatives, NCLH reported that 74% of its fleet was equipped with shore power capability by the end of 2025. Shore power allows vessels to connect to local electrical grids while docked, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in port communities. The technology is becoming increasingly available at major cruise destinations throughout North America and Europe.
Under its “Caring for Nature” pillar, the company also expanded biodiversity and marine conservation initiatives, including environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring programs and collaborations with organizations such as the Pacific Whale Foundation. These efforts aim to improve understanding of marine ecosystems while supporting conservation and responsible vessel operations.
The report highlighted additional progress across the organization, including nearly 396,000 hours of employee training and development, approximately $2 million in charitable contributions and in-kind donations, and continued oversight of suppliers through business reviews and food safety audits.
As cruise lines work toward long-term climate and sustainability goals, renewable marine fuels are expected to play an increasingly important role. Biodiesel is already being used successfully aboard ferries, tugboats, research vessels, and Great Lakes ships, demonstrating its ability to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions while helping lower particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants associated with conventional petroleum diesel.
For cruise operators, expanding the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel blends could provide a scalable pathway to reduce emissions from existing fleets while supporting broader sustainability commitments. With NCLH already exceeding its biofuel testing goals, the company joins a growing number of maritime operators evaluating how renewable fuels can contribute to cleaner and more resilient marine transportation.