Celebrity Cruises has said it will “advance the use of alternative fuels” when it launches the fifth Edge-class ship.

The line is working with parent company Royal Caribbean Group, technology company Wärtsilä and shipyard Chantiers de L’Atlantique to introduce a new engine model, along with storage and delivery systems.

These updates will provide “unmatched fuel flexibility, with the ability to use three types of fuel, including methanol”, a statement said.

To allow for the ship’s fuel flexibility, Wärtsilä will deliver two converted 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 46F engines that can use three fuel sources, including methanol.

These changes will “advance carbon-free cruising”, according to the statement, while the addition of methanol as a fuel option will help reduce local emission such as sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Celebrity Cruises ‘developing’ new technologies

Celebrity Cruises president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: “With the launch of our Edge Series of ships in 2018, we set ambitious sustainability goals to make these ships the most energy efficient large vessels at sea.

“Working collaboratively with our partners, we have continued to develop new technologies and achieve breakthroughs with each subsequent ship.”

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty added: “As we innovate our ship design and offerings, we’re also focused on equally evolving the fuel and technology landscape that powers them.

“By incorporating tri-fuelled engines, we are ensuring that as alternative, low-carbon-based solutions become more viable, our ships will be ready to adapt and drive the industry forward to a more sustainable and net zero emissions future.”

Earlier this year, Celebrity Ascent (pictured above), the fourth Edge ship, officially touched water for the first time.

The vessel is scheduled to launch in December 2023.