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The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was
created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.

PRODUCED BY REUTERS PLUS FOR

To say cruising is undergoing a transformation is something of an
understatement. Longtime fossil-fuel-reliant, this corner of tourism has seen a
wave of groundbreaking innovation in the last decade, and Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA) members have committed to perusing net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in line with the targets of the Paris
Agreement. The net-zero ambition is clear, but how cruise lines achieve it is up
to them. Seeking to be at the forefront of this change within the industry is
MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line, which is aiming to reduce
energy consumption through technological advancement and improvements in the
operational efficiency of voyages while transitioning to renewable fuels. Simply
put, achieving net-zero requires forward motion on three key pillars: ship
technology, operational efficiency and fuel. MSC Cruises has already increased
the carbon intensity of its fleet by 37.8%, compared with 2008, thanks to
improved operational efficiency achieved through ship design and onboard
technology. But fuel will play the most significant role. “We’re not going to
reach net-zero without renewable fuels,” says Linden Coppell, Vice President,
Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is key to this. A
fuel that offers immediate benefits by producing up to 20% less greenhouse gas
emissions than Marine Gasoil (MGO). The plan is to transition from fossil-based
LNG to renewable alternatives as they become commercially available, as these
vessels need no modification for these renewable fuels. Major reductions in
nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide are an additional benefit of LNG, vital to
addressing local air quality concerns in and around ports. Two new MSC Cruises
ships, MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa, can use LNG as a fuel using the latest
engine technology. Three LNG ships will be added to the fleet between 2025 and
2027. The potential of these fuels is front of mind for Coppell: “It is really
important that we have engines that give us a high level of flexibility to make
this transition to new and better, cleaner, lower carbon-intensive fuels.”
Naturally, a more sustainable future relies on the industry using not just
better but less fuel. Innovative tracking tools are helping MSC Cruises decrease
energy use onboard its cruise ships. “It’s really important that we are being as
energy efficient as we can,” says Coppell. “Not least because many newer fuels
simply don't have the same energy per volume as conventional liquid fuel, so
we'll need to carry more.”

We’re not going to reach net zero without renewable fuels

Collectively, these projects are already making a difference to the company’s
greenhouse gas emissions. MSC’s newest ships are around 55% more efficient than
is currently required by regulators, as measured by the IMO’s Energy Efficiency
Design Index. The company’s latest and most innovative ship, MSC Euribia emits
44% less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than MSC Cruises’ vessels built
just a decade ago. Still, challenges remain. Cruise ships are designed based on
a 30-year shelf life, so change takes time, and retrofitting for newer renewable
fuels or fuel reducing technologies may not be commercially viable. Meanwhile,
some of the cruising industry’s progress relies on external factors, such as
renewable fuels becoming cheaper and available at ports across the world.
Governments play a huge role in this transition, shaping the regulatory and
fiscal framework that encourages the development and availability of these
fuels. Coppell is confident that the net-zero target by 2050 is within reach.
Perhaps the surest sign of this was the success of the net-zero greenhouse gas
emissions cruise on MSC Euribia in June 2023, from St. Nazaire, France, to
Copenhagen, Denmark. Fueled by bio-LNG through mass-balance, the ship’s onboard
efficiency tracker ensured energy consumption was optimized wherever possible.
The result was a journey that not only achieved its net-zero greenhouse gas
emission goal but performed 11% more efficiently than the ship’s “digital twin”
— a virtual model replicating the ship performance. It's an encouraging sign
that a sustainable future for cruising is achievable with approved renewable
fuels. “We're seeing frequent progress being made by our industry, both with
efficiency, technologies and with trialing renewable fuels,” says Coppell.
“That's only going to accelerate, and with MSC Euribia we showed that the future
of cruising is coming.”

Another way to decrease fuel burned on board is shore power. Unlike other
vessels whose main energy demand is for propulsion, cruise ships are home to
hotels that need energy, even at ports. CLIA is aiming for all ships calling at
ports capable of providing shoreside power to be equipped to either use shore
power or to be able to use alternative low-carbon technologies by 2035. MSC
Cruises has been fitting shore power systems on board its fleet as standard
since 2017 and commenced a retrofit program in 2023. By the end of 2024 over 70%
of the fleet will be shore power capable. The company is also working with
existing ports, as well as building new terminals, to make shore power
infrastructure available wherever possible. Despite this, Coppell believes we’ll
never reach a point where shore power is available in every port globally. “We
visit small island destinations,” she says. “These are places where the ports
may not have the power available to accommodate large cruise vessels.” One
potential solution available in the future for these locations could be on board
fuel cells, which create energy using electrolysis to generate heat and
energy—no fuel-burning or plugging-in needed. MSC Cruises is testing this
technology on MSC World Europa and collaborating with technology providers to
find out how this technology could be scaled up to fulfill the fuel demands of
the hotel load. Fuel cells can operate using green hydrogen, which could enable
zero emissions operations.

Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this
content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.
To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.

Linden Coppell

Vice President, Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises

44

%

MSC Euribia emits

less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than boats built just a decade ago.

37.8

%

The fleet already has an increased efficiency of

compared with 2008.

Caption


A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR CRUISING IS NOT ONLY ACHIEVABLE BUT WELL ON ITS WAY


1983

First adopted in November 1973, the International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) came into force in 1983, with the aim of
preventing and controlling pollution by oil and noxious liquid substances from
ships and thereby protecting the marine environment.

In addition to other amendments MARPOL was notably amended in 1988 to prevent
pollution by waste from ships.

1988

Paris Agreement signed by 196 countries. The international treaty aims to
address climate change and its impacts with the goal of keeping global warming
to no more than 1.5°C.


2015

The European Commission published the "Fit for 55" package, a set of proposals
to meet the EU’s aims of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.


2021

Entry into force of changes to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) whereby
an increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions from ships of 5,000 GT and
above calling at EU ports will be included in the plan from 2024 onward.


2023

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) came into force. These
are extensive requirements companies must meet to make their sustainability
reporting more transparent.


2023

FuelEU Maritime Regulation comes into effect, requiring year-on-year
improvements to the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy ships use, up to an
80% reduction in GHG intensity by 2050.


2025

40

%

It is hoped that all cruise ships will have decarbonized by

by 2030

70

%

GHG emissions to be reduced by at least

by 2040

70%

By the end of 2040

of the fleet will be shore power capable

FuelEU Maritime Regulation generally obliges passenger and container ships at
berth in major EU ports for calls lasting more than two hours to use shore power
if available or other zero-emission technologies offering equivalent benefits.


2030

Net-zero GHG emissions is to be achieved in 2050 by international maritime
transport according not just the goals set by CLIA and its members but also as
set out in the IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships thereby
contributing to the goals set by the Paris agreement.

2050

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set the goals of reducing the
total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20% by 2030,
and to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at
least 70% by 2040.


2030 2040


THE FUTURE OF CRUISING


HOW CAN THE CRUISE INDUSTRY BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE AND ULTIMATELY ACHIEVE
NET-ZERO EMISSIONS? WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN MOVE THE SECTOR IN THE
RIGHT DIRECTION? AND WHAT IS MSC CRUISES DOING TO MAKE THIS FUTURE A REALITY?

Using reverse osmosis, MSC Euribia can produce 2.7 million liters of water in 24
hours, more than is than need to fill to an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This is
used for potable (drinking, cooking cleaning, showers, etc.) and non-potable
water. MSC Euribia has an advanced water treatment system, which treats all
black and grey water and ensures it meets the highest regulatory standards
before being discharged.

Reverse osmosis and advanced water treatment system

Access to shore power is crucial on the journey to net zero emissions.
Connecting directly to power sources onshore allows ship engines to be switched
off, eliminating local emissions. Electricity connects to the ship through a
specially designed dock transformer, reducing local air emissions and reducing
underwater noise and vibrations. All main ports in the European Union will be
required to install shoreside electricity by 2030 to allow ships to connect and
reduce emissions at port.

Shore power

Recycling is a fundamental part of running the vessel. The Densifier which
compresses aluminium. 18,000 cans turns into 1 pallet (220kg). The glass crusher
can turn 7,100 wine bottles into one pallet of 2,500kg.

Recycling

Liquefied natural gas technology on board enables MSC Cruises to switch at any
time to fully renewable liquefied biogas (bio-liquefied natural gas) or
synthetic gas (synthetic renewable liquefied natural gas) to reach greenhouse
gas emissions reductions of up to 100 per cent.

Liquefied natural gas and renewable fuels

house text on timeline in pop up

Reverse Osmosis and Advanced Water Treatment System

Using reverse osmosis, MSC Euribia can produce 2.7 million litres of water in
24h, more than is than need to fill to an Olympic size swimming pool – this used
for potable - drinking, cooking cleaning, shoers etc- and non-potable water. MSC
Euribia has an advanced water treatment system, which treats all black and grey
water and ensures it meets the highest regulatory standards before being
discharged.

Shore Power

Access to shore power is crucial on the journey to net zero emissions.
Connecting directly to power sources onshore allows ship engines to be switched
off, eliminating local emissions. Electricity connects to the ship through a
specially designed dock transformer, reducing local air emissions and reducing
underwater noise and vibrations. All main ports in the European Union will be
required to install shoreside electricity by 2030 to allow ships to connect and
reduce emissions at port.

Liquefied Natural Gas and Renewable Fuels

Liquefied Natural Gas technology on board enables MSC Cruises to switch at any
time to fully renewable liquefied biogas (bio-Liquefied Natural Gas) or
synthetic gas (synthetic renewable Liquefied Natural Gas) to reach greenhouse
gas emissions reductions of up to 100 per cent

Recycling

Recycling is a fundamental part of running the vessel. The Densifier which
compresses aluminium. 18’000 cans turns into 1 pallet (220kg). The glass crusher
can turn 7’100 wine bottles into one pallet of 2’500kg.

MARPOL was amended to include the prevention of pollution by harmful substances
carried by sea in packaged form.


1992

Requirements to control pollution of the sea by sewage came into force.

2003

New limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships entered into
force.

2005

“We’re not going to reach net-zero without renewable fuels,” says Linden
Coppell, Vice President, Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises. Liquified natural
gas (LNG) is key to this. A fuel that offers immediate benefits by producing up
to 20% less greenhouse gas emissions than Marine Gasoil (MGO). The plan is to
transition from fossil-based LNG to renewable alternatives as they become
commercially available, as these vessels need no modification for these
renewable fuels. Major reductions in nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide are an
additional benefit of LNG, vital to addressing local air quality concerns in and
around ports. Two new MSC Cruises ships, MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa, can
use LNG as a fuel using the latest engine technology. Three LNG ships will be
added to the fleet between 2025 and 2027. The potential of these fuels is front
of mind for Coppell: “It is really important that we have engines that give us a
high level of flexibility to make this transition to new and better, cleaner,
lower carbon-intensive fuels.” Naturally, a more sustainable future relies on
the industry using not just better but less fuel. Innovative tracking tools are
helping MSC Cruises decrease energy use onboard its cruise ships. “It’s really
important that we are being as energy efficient as we can,” says Coppell. “Not
least because many newer fuels simply don't have the same energy per volume as
conventional liquid fuel, so we'll need to carry more.”

+

The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was
created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.

PRODUCED BY REUTERS PLUS FOR

To say cruising is undergoing a transformation is something of an
understatement. Longtime fossil-fuel-reliant, this corner of tourism has seen a
wave of groundbreaking innovation in the last decade, and Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA) members have committed to perusing net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in line with the targets of the Paris
Agreement. The net-zero ambition is clear, but how cruise lines achieve it is up
to them. Seeking to be at the forefront of this change within the industry is
MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line, which is aiming to reduce
energy consumption through technological advancement and improvements in the
operational efficiency of voyages while transitioning to renewable fuels. Simply
put, achieving net-zero requires forward motion on three key pillars: ship
technology, operational efficiency and fuel. MSC Cruises has already increased
the carbon intensity of its fleet by 37.8%, compared with 2008, thanks to
improved operational efficiency achieved through ship design and onboard
technology. But fuel will play the most significant role. “We’re not going to
reach net-zero without renewable fuels,” says Linden Coppell, Vice President,
Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is key to this. A
fuel that offers immediate benefits by producing up to 20% less greenhouse gas
emissions than Marine Gasoil (MGO). The plan is to transition from fossil-based
LNG to renewable alternatives as they become commercially available, as these
vessels need no modification for these renewable fuels. Major reductions in
nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide are an additional benefit of LNG, vital to
addressing local air quality concerns in and around ports. Two new MSC Cruises
ships, MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa, can use LNG as a fuel using the latest
engine technology. Three LNG ships will be added to the fleet between 2025 and
2027. The potential of these fuels is front of mind for Coppell: “It is really
important that we have engines that give us a high level of flexibility to make
this transition to new and better, cleaner, lower carbon-intensive fuels.”
Naturally, a more sustainable future relies on the industry using not just
better but less fuel. Innovative tracking tools are helping MSC Cruises decrease
energy use onboard its cruise ships. “It’s really important that we are being as
energy efficient as we can,” says Coppell. “Not least because many newer fuels
simply don't have the same energy per volume as conventional liquid fuel, so
we'll need to carry more.”

We’re not going to reach net zero without renewable fuels

Collectively, these projects are already making a difference to the company’s
greenhouse gas emissions. MSC’s newest ships are around 55% more efficient than
is currently required by regulators, as measured by the IMO’s Energy Efficiency
Design Index. The company’s latest and most innovative ship, MSC Euribia emits
44% less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than MSC Cruises’ vessels built
just a decade ago. Still, challenges remain. Cruise ships are designed based on
a 30-year shelf life, so change takes time, and retrofitting for newer renewable
fuels or fuel reducing technologies may not be commercially viable. Meanwhile,
some of the cruising industry’s progress relies on external factors, such as
renewable fuels becoming cheaper and available at ports across the world.
Governments play a huge role in this transition, shaping the regulatory and
fiscal framework that encourages the development and availability of these
fuels. Coppell is confident that the net-zero target by 2050 is within reach.
Perhaps the surest sign of this was the success of the net-zero greenhouse gas
emissions cruise on MSC Euribia in June 2023, from St. Nazaire, France, to
Copenhagen, Denmark. Fueled by bio-LNG through mass-balance, the ship’s onboard
efficiency tracker ensured energy consumption was optimized wherever possible.
The result was a journey that not only achieved its net-zero greenhouse gas
emission goal but performed 11% more efficiently than the ship’s “digital twin”
— a virtual model replicating the ship performance. It's an encouraging sign
that a sustainable future for cruising is achievable with approved renewable
fuels. “We're seeing frequent progress being made by our industry, both with
efficiency, technologies and with trialing renewable fuels,” says Coppell.
“That's only going to accelerate, and with MSC Euribia we showed that the future
of cruising is coming.”

Another way to decrease fuel burned on board is shore power. Unlike other
vessels whose main energy demand is for propulsion, cruise ships are home to
hotels that need energy, even at ports. CLIA is aiming for all ships calling at
ports capable of providing shoreside power to be equipped to either use shore
power or to be able to use alternative low-carbon technologies by 2035. MSC
Cruises has been fitting shore power systems on board its fleet as standard
since 2017 and commenced a retrofit program in 2023. By the end of 2024 over 70%
of the fleet will be shore power capable. The company is also working with
existing ports, as well as building new terminals, to make shore power
infrastructure available wherever possible. Despite this, Coppell believes we’ll
never reach a point where shore power is available in every port globally. “We
visit small island destinations,” she says. “These are places where the ports
may not have the power available to accommodate large cruise vessels.” One
potential solution available in the future for these locations could be on board
fuel cells, which create energy using electrolysis to generate heat and
energy—no fuel-burning or plugging-in needed. MSC Cruises is testing this
technology on MSC World Europa and collaborating with technology providers to
find out how this technology could be scaled up to fulfill the fuel demands of
the hotel load. Fuel cells can operate using green hydrogen, which could enable
zero emissions operations.

Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this
content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.
To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.

Linden Coppell

Vice President, Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises

44

%

MSC Euribia emits

less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than boats built just a decade ago.

33

%

The fleet already has an increased efficiency of

compared with 2008.

Caption


A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR CRUISING IS NOT ONLY ACHIEVABLE BUT WELL ON ITS WAY


1983

First adopted in November 1973, the International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) came into force in 1983, with the aim of
preventing and controlling pollution by oil and noxious liquid substances from
ships and thereby protecting the marine environment.

In addition to other amendments MARPOL was notably amended in 1988 to prevent
pollution by waste from ships.

1988

Paris Agreement signed by 196 countries. The international treaty aims to
address climate change and its impacts with the goal of keeping global warming
to no more than 1.5°C.


2015

The European Commission published the "Fit for 55" package, a set of proposals
to meet the EU’s aims of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.


2021

Entry into force of changes to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) whereby
an increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions from ships of 5,000 GT and
above calling at EU ports will be included in the plan from 2024 onward.


2023

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) came into force. These
are extensive requirements companies must meet to make their sustainability
reporting more transparent.


2023

FuelEU Maritime Regulation comes into effect, requiring year-on-year
improvements to the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy ships use, up to an
80% reduction in GHG intensity by 2050.


2025

40

%

It is hoped that all cruise ships will have decarbonized by

by 2030

70

%

GHG emissions to be reduced by at least

by 2040

2/3

It is hoped that

of all cruise ships will be able to plug into shore power when in port by 2023.

FuelEU Maritime Regulation generally obliges passenger and container ships at
berth in major EU ports for calls lasting more than two hours to use shore power
if available or other zero-emission technologies offering equivalent benefits.


2030

Net-zero GHG emissions is to be achieved in 2050 by international maritime
transport according not just the goals set by CLIA and its members but also as
set out in the IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships thereby
contributing to the goals set by the Paris agreement.

2050

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set the goals of reducing the
total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20% by 2030,
and to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at
least 70% by 2040.


2030 + 2040


THE FUTURE OF CRUISING


HOW CAN THE CRUISE INDUSTRY BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE AND ULTIMATELY ACHIEVE
NET-ZERO EMISSIONS? WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN MOVE THE SECTOR IN THE
RIGHT DIRECTION? AND WHAT IS MSC CRUISES DOING TO MAKE THIS FUTURE A REALITY?

Using reverse osmosis, MSC Euribia can produce 2.7 million liters of water in 24
hours, more than is than need to fill to an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This is
used for potable (drinking, cooking cleaning, showers, etc.) and non-potable
water. MSC Euribia has an advanced water treatment system, which treats all
black and grey water and ensures it meets the highest regulatory standards
before being discharged.

Reverse Osmosis and Advanced Water Treatment System

Access to shore power is crucial on the journey to net zero emissions.
Connecting directly to power sources onshore allows ship engines to be switched
off, eliminating local emissions. Electricity connects to the ship through a
specially designed dock transformer, reducing local air emissions and reducing
underwater noise and vibrations. All main ports in the European Union will be
required to install shoreside electricity by 2030 to allow ships to connect and
reduce emissions at port.

Shore Power

Recycling is a fundamental part of running the vessel. The Densifier which
compresses aluminium. 18,000 cans turns into 1 pallet (220kg). The glass crusher
can turn 7,100 wine bottles into one pallet of 2,500kg.

Recycling

Liquefied Natural Gas technology on board enables MSC Cruises to switch at any
time to fully renewable liquefied biogas (bio-Liquefied Natural Gas) or
synthetic gas (synthetic renewable Liquefied Natural Gas) to reach greenhouse
gas emissions reductions of up to 100 per cent.

Liquefied Natural Gas and Renewable Fuels

house text on timeline in pop up

Reverse Osmosis and Advanced Water Treatment System

Using reverse osmosis, MSC Euribia can produce 2.7 million litres of water in
24h, more than is than need to fill to an Olympic size swimming pool – this used
for potable - drinking, cooking cleaning, shoers etc- and non-potable water. MSC
Euribia has an advanced water treatment system, which treats all black and grey
water and ensures it meets the highest regulatory standards before being
discharged.

Shore Power

Access to shore power is crucial on the journey to net zero emissions.
Connecting directly to power sources onshore allows ship engines to be switched
off, eliminating local emissions. Electricity connects to the ship through a
specially designed dock transformer, reducing local air emissions and reducing
underwater noise and vibrations. All main ports in the European Union will be
required to install shoreside electricity by 2030 to allow ships to connect and
reduce emissions at port.

Liquefied Natural Gas and Renewable Fuels

Liquefied Natural Gas technology on board enables MSC Cruises to switch at any
time to fully renewable liquefied biogas (bio-Liquefied Natural Gas) or
synthetic gas (synthetic renewable Liquefied Natural Gas) to reach greenhouse
gas emissions reductions of up to 100 per cent

Recycling

Recycling is a fundamental part of running the vessel. The Densifier which
compresses aluminium. 18’000 cans turns into 1 pallet (220kg). The glass crusher
can turn 7’100 wine bottles into one pallet of 2’500kg.

MARPOL was amended to include the prevention of pollution by harmful substances
carried by sea in packaged form.


1992

Requirements to control pollution of the sea by sewage came into force.

2003

New limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships entered into
force.

2005

“We’re not going to reach net-zero without renewable fuels,” says Linden
Coppell, Vice President, Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises. Liquified natural
gas (LNG) is key to this. A fuel that offers immediate benefits by producing up
to 20% less greenhouse gas emissions than Marine Gasoil (MGO). The plan is to
transition from fossil-based LNG to renewable alternatives as they become
commercially available, as these vessels need no modification for these
renewable fuels. Major reductions in nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide are an
additional benefit of LNG, vital to addressing local air quality concerns in and
around ports. Two new MSC Cruises ships, MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa, can
use LNG as a fuel using the latest engine technology. Three LNG ships will be
added to the fleet between 2025 and 2027. The potential of these fuels is front
of mind for Coppell: “It is really important that we have engines that give us a
high level of flexibility to make this transition to new and better, cleaner,
lower carbon-intensive fuels.” Naturally, a more sustainable future relies on
the industry using not just better but less fuel. Innovative tracking tools are
helping MSC Cruises decrease energy use onboard its cruise ships. “It’s really
important that we are being as energy efficient as we can,” says Coppell. “Not
least because many newer fuels simply don't have the same energy per volume as
conventional liquid fuel, so we'll need to carry more.”

Skip to Main Content


Created by Yudhi Restu Pebriyantofrom the Noun Project
Reuters Plus logo



PRODUCED BY REUTERS PLUS FOR






THE FUTURE OF CRUISING


HOW CAN THE CRUISE INDUSTRY BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE AND ULTIMATELY ACHIEVE
NET-ZERO EMISSIONS? WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN MOVE THE SECTOR IN THE
RIGHT DIRECTION? AND WHAT IS MSC CRUISES DOING TO MAKE THIS FUTURE A REALITY?



To say cruising is undergoing a transformation is something of an
understatement. Longtime fossil-fuel-reliant, this corner of tourism has seen a
wave of groundbreaking innovation in the last decade, and Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA) members have committed to perusing net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in line with the targets of the Paris
Agreement. The net-zero ambition is clear, but how cruise lines achieve it is up
to them. Seeking to be at the forefront of this change within the industry is
MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line, which is aiming to reduce
energy consumption through technological advancement and improvements in the
operational efficiency of voyages while transitioning to renewable fuels. Simply
put, achieving net-zero requires forward motion on three key pillars: ship
technology, operational efficiency and fuel. MSC Cruises has already increased
the carbon intensity of its fleet by 37.8%, compared with 2008, thanks to
improved operational efficiency achieved through ship design and onboard
technology. But fuel will play the most significant role. “We’re not going to
reach net-zero without renewable fuels,” says Linden Coppell, Vice President,
Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is key to this. A
fuel that offers immediate benefits by producing up to 20% less greenhouse gas
emissions than Marine Gasoil (MGO). The plan is to transition from fossil-based
LNG to renewable alternatives as they become commercially available, as these
vessels need no modification for these renewable fuels. Major reductions in
nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide are an additional benefit of LNG, vital to
addressing local air quality concerns in and around ports. Two new MSC Cruises
ships, MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa, can use LNG as a fuel using the latest
engine technology. Three LNG ships will be added to the fleet between 2025 and
2027. The potential of these fuels is front of mind for Coppell: “It is really
important that we have engines that give us a high level of flexibility to make
this transition to new and better, cleaner, lower carbon-intensive fuels.”
Naturally, a more sustainable future relies on the industry using not just
better but less fuel. Innovative tracking tools are helping MSC Cruises decrease
energy use onboard its cruise ships. “It’s really important that we are being as
energy efficient as we can,” says Coppell. “Not least because many newer fuels
simply don't have the same energy per volume as conventional liquid fuel, so
we'll need to carry more.”

The fleet already has an increased efficiency of

37.8

%

compared with 2008.

MSC Euribia emits

44

%

less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than boats built just a decade ago.





























Another way to decrease fuel burned on board is shore power. Unlike other
vessels whose main energy demand is for propulsion, cruise ships are home to
hotels that need energy, even at ports. CLIA is aiming for all ships calling at
ports capable of providing shoreside power to be equipped to either use shore
power or to be able to use alternative low-carbon technologies by 2035. MSC
Cruises has been fitting shore power systems on board its fleet as standard
since 2017 and commenced a retrofit program in 2023. By the end of 2024 over 70%
of the fleet will be shore power capable. The company is also working with
existing ports, as well as building new terminals, to make shore power
infrastructure available wherever possible. Despite this, Coppell believes we’ll
never reach a point where shore power is available in every port globally. “We
visit small island destinations,” she says. “These are places where the ports
may not have the power available to accommodate large cruise vessels.” One
potential solution available in the future for these locations could be on board
fuel cells, which create energy using electrolysis to generate heat and
energy—no fuel-burning or plugging-in needed. MSC Cruises is testing this
technology on MSC World Europa and collaborating with technology providers to
find out how this technology could be scaled up to fulfill the fuel demands of
the hotel load. Fuel cells can operate using green hydrogen, which could enable
zero emissions operations.








































We’re not going to reach net zero without renewable fuels

Linden Coppell

Vice President, Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises

Collectively, these projects are already making a difference to the company’s
greenhouse gas emissions. MSC’s newest ships are around 55% more efficient than
is currently required by regulators, as measured by the IMO’s Energy Efficiency
Design Index. The company’s latest and most innovative ship, MSC Euribia emits
44% less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than MSC Cruises’ vessels built
just a decade ago. Still, challenges remain. Cruise ships are designed based on
a 30-year shelf life, so change takes time, and retrofitting for newer renewable
fuels or fuel reducing technologies may not be commercially viable. Meanwhile,
some of the cruising industry’s progress relies on external factors, such as
renewable fuels becoming cheaper and available at ports across the world.
Governments play a huge role in this transition, shaping the regulatory and
fiscal framework that encourages the development and availability of these
fuels. Coppell is confident that the net-zero target by 2050 is within reach.
Perhaps the surest sign of this was the success of the net-zero greenhouse gas
emissions cruise on MSC Euribia in June 2023, from St. Nazaire, France, to
Copenhagen, Denmark. Fueled by bio-LNG through mass-balance, the ship’s onboard
efficiency tracker ensured energy consumption was optimized wherever possible.
The result was a journey that not only achieved its net-zero greenhouse gas
emission goal but performed 11% more efficiently than the ship’s “digital twin”
— a virtual model replicating the ship performance. It's an encouraging sign
that a sustainable future for cruising is achievable with approved renewable
fuels. “We're seeing frequent progress being made by our industry, both with
efficiency, technologies and with trialing renewable fuels,” says Coppell.
“That's only going to accelerate, and with MSC Euribia we showed that the future
of cruising is coming.”



house text on timeline in pop up








A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR CRUISING IS NOT ONLY ACHIEVABLE BUT WELL ON ITS WAY

2050

Net-zero GHG emissions is to be achieved in 2050 by international maritime
transport according not just the goals set by CLIA and its members but also as
set out in the IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships thereby
contributing to the goals set by the Paris agreement.


1983

First adopted in November 1973, the International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) came into force in 1983, with the aim of
preventing and controlling pollution by oil and noxious liquid substances from
ships and thereby protecting the marine environment.


2030

FuelEU Maritime Regulation generally obliges passenger and container ships at
berth in major EU ports for calls lasting more than two hours to use shore power
if available or other zero-emission technologies offering equivalent benefits.


2023

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) came into force. These
are extensive requirements companies must meet to make their sustainability
reporting more transparent.


2021

The European Commission published the "Fit for 55" package, a set of proposals
to meet the EU’s aims of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.


1992

MARPOL was amended to include the prevention of pollution by harmful substances
carried by sea in packaged form.

2005

New limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships entered into
force.
















1988

In addition to other amendments MARPOL was notably amended in 1988 to prevent
pollution by waste from ships.

2003

Requirements to control pollution of the sea by sewage came into force.


2015

Paris Agreement signed by 196 countries. The international treaty aims to
address climate change and its impacts with the goal of keeping global warming
to no more than 1.5°C.


2023

Entry into force of changes to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) whereby
an increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions from ships of 5,000 GT and
above calling at EU ports will be included in the plan from 2024 onward.


2025

FuelEU Maritime Regulation comes into effect, requiring year-on-year
improvements to the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy ships use, up to an
80% reduction in GHG intensity by 2050.


2030 2040

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set the goals of reducing the
total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20% by 2030,
and to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at
least 70% by 2040.

+




GHG emissions to be reduced by at least

70

%

by 2040

By the end of 2040

70%

of the fleet will be shore power capable

It is hoped that all cruise ships will have decarbonized by

40

%

by 2030



Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this
content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.
To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.



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