MSC Cruises has released “key data and insights” gathered from what it claims was the world’s first net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) cruise.

The four-day voyage on MSC Euribia, which took place in June, “marks a paradigm shift for cruising”, a statement said, demonstrating that “net-zero emissions cruising is possible, significantly ahead of the 2050 target for the industry”.

A digital twin of the LNG-powered ship was used to analyse its performance and overall it saved of 43 tonnes of fuel.

Optimal speed profiles, routing, trim and engine configuration, and optimisation of the energy consumption, including HVAC, galleys and lightings, ensured that MSC Euribia never had to use more than two of its four engines available during the voyage, MSC added.

In addition, all the required heat for galleys, heating systems and hot water on board was recovered from MSC Euribia’s engines.

The data gathered during the cruise will now be used to optimise existing ships in the MSC fleet.

MSC Cruises ‘proud’ of achievement

MSC Group cruise division senior vice-president of optimisation Michele Francioni said: “We are extremely proud of this achievement, which proves net-zero cruising is possible today.

“MSC Euribia truly has the most energy-efficient cruise ship design to date, but we need greater availability of renewable fuels for the wider maritime industry to consistently repeat this feat.

“With the right level of support from governments and international institutions in incentivising acceleration of technological advancements and renewable fuels availability, the industry can achieve net-zero emissions cruising by 2050.”

MSC has also signed a letter of intent with Gasum, a fuel supplier, to provide access to liquefied synthetic gas (e-LNG), which is produced using hydrogen, created by hydrolysis with renewable energy and captured carbon. 

MSC Cruises vice-president of sustainability and ESG Linden Coppell added: “The partnership with Gasum will enable us to access new and cleaner fuels needed to make a significant step toward net-zero cruising.

“We need more suppliers like Gasum to step up and support our industry. We are ready and waiting to buy more of these new fuels.

“In the meantime, we will continue to learn from the data from MSC Euribia’s voyage and use these findings as a benchmark for delivering our next LNG vessel.”

In June, the MSC Group unveiled details of the next phase of its shore power plan.

At least 15 new ports between 2024 and 2026 will be added for vessels to plug into shoreside electricity grids.