Eagle LNG clinches Royal Caribbean bunkering deal

Royal Caribbean, the leading global cruise operator, has signed an agreement to supply bunkering to its "multi purpose-built LNG fleet" with US-based gas delivery solutions company Eagle LNG Partners, the latter said on June 14.

The agreement will cover fuel supply to Royal Caribbean's new-build Icon Class cruise ships for leisure journeys around the Caribbean. The first Icon Class ship will enter service in autumn 2023, with its LNG tank installed by Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku.

The LNG will be sourced from Eagle LNG's liquefaction facilities in Florida, where Royal Caribbean has multiple cruise terminals.

Royal Caribbean's existing 26-ship cruise fleet includes several of the world's largest marine vessels. 

The Icon Class vessels will mainly use LNG, but will also run on distillate fuel to support calling ports that lack LNG infrastructure. Eagle LNG says renewable feedstocks could be used as part of the liquefaction mix, allowing clients like Royal Caribbean to achieve their carbon reduction goals.

Matthew Fisher, vice president of corporate development and sustainability for Eagle LNG, said: "Eagle LNG is honoured to have been chosen by Royal Caribbean Group as its LNG bunker partner. 

"Our shared vision for a sustainable future, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050, creates a strong foundation for a long-term partnership.

"By introducing these purpose-built bunkering ships for the Caribbean, we are setting that vision into motion while also creating opportunities for island nations to access low-cost, secure, US produced natural gas for power generation.’