MSC Cruises Embraces Green Practices with Electric Shore Power Trials and Facility Inaugurations
In a push towards sustainable operations, MSC Cruises has been at the forefront of experimenting with electric shore-based power across Northern Europe.
Sam Morgan
- 2023-12-31
- Updated 03:10 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - MSC, known for its global cruise operations, has recently completed trials for electric shore-based power in key European locations, including Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom. These trials are central to the cruise industry's broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions while docked. Electric shore power, also known as "cold ironing," allows docked vessels to shut down their diesel engines and connect to local power grids, leading to significant reductions in pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
Expanding Footprints
As part of MSC Cruises' sustainability endeavors, a new facility was inaugurated in Germany, and developments in Ischia, Italy, have been announced. The company is doubling down on its investments in Italy, evidenced by plans for electric shore-based power facilities and a new cruise terminal in the port city of Brindisi, anticipated to open next year. Concurrently, MSC triumphed in a recent tender for the construction of new electric "cold ironing" bollards, solidifying its commitment to enhancing green infrastructure and technologies.
Despite these advancements, limitations remain. Large ships, especially those on medium to long routes, cannot yet fully operate on electric power alone, awaiting further technological breakthroughs. However, ports offer a viable option for electric shore support, and hydrogen fuel is being considered for future maritime navigation needs. MSC's continued investment in Italy also reveals a gap in the availability of such electric power facilities, which the cruise leader is aiming to address.
Industry-Wide Shift to Sustainability
The maritime industry's shift towards greener practices was recently spotlighted at a global shipping event where prominent companies, including MSC, rallied for an energy transition. CEOs from these companies issued a collective call for a worldwide carbon levy to encourage reductions in carbon emissions, urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish such a system. A.P. Moller-Maersk's CEO supported a clear, progressive carbon levy, suggesting a starting point of $50 per tonne, while emphasizing the importance of this measure not contributing to inflation but rather accelerating the transition to cleaner operations. Michele Francioni of MSC Cruises has called for more infrastructure supporting a green transition, highlighting the industry's drive towards cleaner maritime operations and carbon neutrality without compromising competitive practices.
