MSC Virtuosa is our second ship, after MSC Grandiosa, to be fitted with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which significantly reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the ship exhaust and transforms it into harmless nitrogen and water, through advanced active emissions control technology. SCR systems will be on fitted on all future ships.

To reduce emissions while in port, all MSC Cruises ships which have come into service since 2017 are fitted with shore-to-ship power so they can ‘plug in’ to the local power grid. A retrofitting programme will ensure that any ship docking in a berth that offers shore-to-ship power will be capable of using it.

Our advanced technologies have allowed SOx and NOx emissions to be significantly reduced over time

We currently estimate that we can meet the IMO intensity ambition of 40% reduction by 2030 compared to 2008 by 2027, three years earlier than the industry target date set by the IMO and made mandatory for cruise lines by CLIA.
To support this goal we are committed to an annual efficiency improvement of 2-4% across our fleet though numerous energy efficiency measures for every single ship.

We are also investing in a ground-breaking project that aims to integrate a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology demonstrator onboard MSC World Europa using LNG to produce electricity and useable heat. This process is around 25% more efficient than a medium speed internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the emissions by the equivalent amount.

At present, this technology has only been tested in a laboratory but if the onboard results match, or even exceed, our estimates then we plan to increase the scale of fuel cells to support energy needs of future ships.

In parallel, we are evaluating the use of batteries as a supporting energy solution, providing smart energy storage and a ready to use power reserve when required. The evaluation will incorporate full life cycle analysis to validate the large-scale use of batteries.

New technology and low carbon fuels are fundamental to our carbon reduction strategy

• Voyage planning software
  An optimised itinerary means a reduced consumption of energy. We plan our itineraries efficiently and use specialised software to optimise sailing routes and berthing times.
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• Optimising energy use
  In 2020, MSC Grandiosa’s crew supported the implementation of Ecorizon, an innovative process of ship energy optimisation that collects data using onboard automation systems and sensors, allowing a very precise status report on the energy profile of the ship. The information collected is then compared with a dynamic digital twin to guide onboard operators, improve operational profiles and voyage management
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• Using data to drive efficiency
  MSC Cruises’ onboard engineers are supported by integrated automation systems that aggregate and make sense of enormous quantities of data acquired by field sensors and machineries. Better data has enabled huge advances in how the ships are managed and has also helped achieve emissions reduction goals

• Trim optimisation
  Optimising trim requires constant readjustment. Our ships are equipped with a software application to monitor and optimise trim in real-time. This technology helps ship officers to keep the vessel’s trim optimised to reduce fuel consumption and improve performance.
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• Anti-fouling paint
  Ships are naturally prone to barnacles, algae and marine organisms growing on their underwater surfaces. These can increase drag and make vessels less efficient. By using the most advanced anti-fouling paints on the hulls of all the ships, we keep them as streamlined as they can be. It’s TBT-free: we strive to keep toxic substances as far from the ocean as possible.
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• High-efficiency appliances
  Reducing our carbon footprint is not just about grand gestures; everyday electricity use is equally important. Energy-efficient appliances including refrigerators, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers across our fleet help us keep our carbon footprint lower.
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• Energy-saving LED lighting
  Our ships only use energy-efficient LED and fluorescent lighting, saving energy by producing the same amount of light per bulb at a lower wattage.
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• Smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC)
  The HVAC systems on board our ships are designed to reduce energy consumption. They distribute heat and cold intelligently and are set up to recover heat from warmer areas of a ship to heat those which need it more.
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New technologies combined with energy efficiency programmes has led to a 28% reduction in carbon intensity since 2008



A target has been set to reduce further energy use across the fleet by 2.5% per year on a per ship basis

All wastewater on board is discharged to sea according to stringent international, national, and local regulations in force.

Since 2007, we have equipped our new ships with Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS) that turn black and grey wastewater to near tap-water quality.

In addition, all our ships are able to discharge treated water at port where adequate port reception facilities connected to local wastewater treatment systems are available. This is notably the case in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Baltic Sea.

Although regulations generally allow untreated sewage (blackwater) to be discharged once a ship is travelling more than 12 nautical miles from land, we do not allow this under normal operation in any circumstances and require that the ship requests permission from the Company, when a rare and exceptional discharge is necessary.

Regulations also permit the disposal of bilge and oily water at sea if it has been treated through an approved oily water separator. However, we follow a strict policy not to do this and instead discharge ashore all bilge and oily water, where it can be properly treated at approved port reception facilities.

Our advanced wastewater treatment systems process wastewater to near tap water quality.

To prevent this, and to comply with strict international regulations, our ships are fitted with a ballast water treatment system that complies with the standards set by the UN international governing body, the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This system protects against the involuntary introduction of invasive marine species.

We have adopted strict treatment regimes to remove threats of species transportation through ballast water

Training our crew, not only to handle waste, but to understand the importance of waste management, is central to what we do. Our crew members receive ongoing training to ensure they remain abreast of the highest standards and can inform our guests about the need to separate and recycle.

The Environmental Compliance Officer on every ship is responsible for ensuring waste management protocols are followed