Star Cruises' SuperStar Virgo has become the first cruise vessel in Southeast Asia with Rolls-Royce's Promas Lite propulsion system, designed to save fuel and enhance energy efficiency.

Norwegian Spirit, operated by Star Cruises' subsidiary Norwegian Cruise Line, was the first vessel in the fleet to be installed with Promas Lite, retrofitted into its integrated propeller and rudder system in 2011.

Efficiency gains and fuel saving benefits from this first upgrade led to the second order from Star Cruises, said Rolls-Royce.

"Typical fuel savings for Promas Lite range from 5% to 15%, depending on the type of operation and the performance of the existing propeller," said Rolls-Royce.

"A cruise ship like SuperStar Virgo can expect to generate GBP800,000 [$1.35M] annually in fuel savings and a corresponding CO2 emission reduction of around 4,000 tonnes per year by converting to Promas Lite. The estimated payback period is two years."

The cruise industry is under pressure to meet stricter environmental regulations, for which it is considering a wide array of technologies.

The 13-storey, 8,530dwt SuperStar Virgo, the largest cruise ship in Star Cruises' Asian fleet, is currently homeported in Singapore, offering itineraries to Malaysia and Thailand.