June 16, 2025, New York City – In a landmark sustainable fuel initiative, maritime logistics firm Vane Brothers and energy giant Shell have jointly completed their first-ever delivery of marine biofuel to a cruise ship at Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
The operation involved the bunkering of a bio-blended marine fuel aboard Royal Caribbean’s Silver Shadow, utilizing Vane Brothers assets including the tug Fort McHenry and barge Double Skin 37. This drop-in biofuel blend requires no engine modifications, enabling seamless integration into existing vessels’ systems.
Marine biofuel blends are gaining traction as lower-emission alternatives to conventional marine fuels. While their availability has been more widespread in Europe and Asia, this milestone demonstrates expanding access for ocean-going vessels in the U.S
