Partnering for a Cleaner Future: JAX LNG and Polaris New Energy Launch LNG Bunkering at Port Canaveral

JAX LNG and Polaris New Energy have successfully completed the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering for Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral. This operation occurred shortly after the vessel’s inaugural visit to the port on August 13, 2025.

The bunkering process emphasized the advantages of LNG as a fuel source, which is noted for its ability to reduce emissions while offering ship operators a cleaner, reliable, and odorless energy option. The Clean Everglades, a specialized bunker vessel, provided the Star of the Seas with enough fuel for multiple weeks during the operation.

The entire bunkering took approximately seven hours, with oversight from Canaveral Fire Rescue’s Fireboat2, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard. JAX LNG operates North America’s first small-scale coastal LNG facility and has access to two Jones Act LNG bunker barges—the Clean Canaveral and the Clean Everglades.

Located in Jacksonville, JAX LNG is a collaboration between Seaside LNG and Pivotal LNG, boasting the capability to liquefy 360,000 gallons of LNG daily and offering around four million gallons of storage for multiple clients in the southeastern U.S.

The Star of the Seas, which was delivered by the Meyer Turku shipyard earlier this month, embarked on its first cruise on August 17, 2025. This 250,800-ton ship is set to provide a series of preview cruises before its official maiden season commences in late August, operating year-round from Port Canaveral with regular seven-night itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The ship was officially named on August 20, 2025, with research astronaut Kellie Gerardi serving as its godmother.

For more details, visit Cruise Industry News.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.