MSC Cruises Claims Title of World’s First Carbon Neutral Cruise Line

Switzerland-based MSC Cruises announced it would become the first global cruise line with carbon-neutral operations.

The company said that all direct carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from its fleet marine operations would be offset as of January 1, 2020, through a blend of carbon offset projects developed by international entities that take immediate action on greenhouse gas emissions.

All costs for the offsets as well as any other associated items would be covered directly and in full by the company, MSC Cruises said.

In particular, MSC Cruises aims to develop a carbon offset portfolio that incorporates projects which protect and restore ocean and coastal habitats while also absorbing more CO2 than currently occurs.

“We will work with leading providers in carbon offsets credits able offsets able to offset CO2 emissions with the highest level of integrity. Our vision is to also invest in projects that provide quantifiable community benefits, protect the environment and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, commented.

The announcement from November 8 coincided with the coming into service of MSC Cruises’ most environmentally-advanced cruise ship yet, the MSC Grandiosa.

The Meraviglia-Plus cruise ship was delivered after completing trials in August this year.

The newbuild is equipped with two new technological innovations including a selective catalytic reduction system to decrease nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent and transform it into pure water and nitrogen. The ship is also fitted with a wastewater treatment system that will lead to nearly zero impact on discharges and allow it to operate in delicate environments such as the Baltic Sea and Alaska.

MSC Cruises also recently started construction of MSC Europa, the first of five liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered cruise ships that will come into service between 2022 and 2027.

The video below shows MSC Cruises’ newest ship on its maiden visit to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Video Courtesy: inselvideo