JAX LNG and Polaris New Energy recently conducted the initial LNG fueling for Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral. This milestone operation occurred shortly after the ship’s debut visit to the port on August 13, 2025. The event offers valuable insights for seafarers into the growing use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel and the complexities of bunkering operations.

Operation Details

The fueling process took place using the specialized bunker vessel Clean Everglades, which provided the Star of the Seas with several weeks’ worth of fuel. The operation lasted approximately seven hours and was closely supervised by Canaveral Fire Rescue’s Fireboat2, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard. This collaboration highlights the importance of safety protocols during LNG transfers, a critical skill for maritime professionals.

LNG is promoted as a cleaner fuel option, reducing emissions while offering a reliable, odorless, and colorless energy source. This aligns with industry efforts to meet environmental regulations, making it an essential topic for seafarers to understand.

Facility and Vessel Background

JAX LNG operates North America’s first small-scale coastal LNG facility in Jacksonville, capable of liquefying 360,000 gallons of LNG daily. The facility, a joint venture between Seaside LNG and Pivotal LNG, includes four million gallons of storage and serves multiple clients across the southeastern United States. It also manages two Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barges, Clean Canaveral and Clean Everglades, enhancing its capacity to support LNG-powered vessels.

The Star of the Seas, delivered by the Meyer Turku shipyard earlier this month, began its first cruise on August 17, 2025. Weighing 250,800 tons, the ship will conduct preview cruises before starting its official season in late August. Operating year-round from Port Canaveral, it will offer seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas. The vessel’s christening ceremony on August 20, 2025, featured research astronaut Kellie Gerardi as godmother.

Lessons for Seafarers

This operation provides several key takeaways for maritime training:

LNG Handling Skills: Seafarers must be trained in the safe handling and transfer of LNG, given its unique properties and safety requirements.

Safety Coordination: The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the need for effective communication and coordination during bunkering operations.

Environmental Benefits: Understanding LNG’s role in reducing emissions prepares crew members for the shift toward greener maritime technologies.

Operational Planning: The seven-hour duration and use of specialized vessels emphasize the importance of meticulous planning and resource allocation.

The successful LNG bunkering of the Star of the Seas marks a significant step in maritime fuel innovation. For seafarers, this event serves as a practical example of modern fueling techniques, safety measures, and environmental stewardship. As LNG adoption grows, ongoing education and preparedness will be vital for the industry’s future.

Resource: Cruise Industry News: JAX LNG and Polaris New Energy LNG Bunkering