Today, 14 of 19 MSC Cruises ships are equipped with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) to reduce sulphur from ship emissions by 98%. 

Our hybrid EGCS can operate in an open or closed loop, allowing wash water to be collected in holding tanks to avoid direct discharge into ports or other sensitive areas.

MSC Seashore is our third ship, after MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa, 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.

By the end of 2021, seven of our 19 ships, including all our new ships, had been fitted with shore power capability. This enables onboard engines to be switched off, cutting emissions. We are committed to using these systems whenever shore power is available.

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

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.

Welcome to the future of cruising with MSC World Europa, our first LNG powered ship and one of the most environmentally-advanced ships at sea.

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

Reducing air pollution 

We have installed hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) on 14 of our cruise ships which reduce SOx emissions by 98%, and Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems on 3 ships, which reduces NOx by up to 90%. 

Underwater radiated noise

Hull and propellers are designed, built and installed to minimise noise or vibration that might impact aquatic mammals. Wastewater treatment systems Our fleet is in full compliance with wastewater discharge rules and, in 11 of our ships, advanced systems deliver treated water near to tap water standard. 

Freshwater

Our new ships are capable of providing all onboard freshwater needs from seawater. 

Waste management

Waste is compacted, separated or incinerated, and residual waste is carefully delivered to dedicated port reception facilities for recycling or disposal. 

New fuel types

In 2022, we will launch our first LNG-powered ship. LNG largely eliminates sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions and particulate matter in the exhaust, reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by up to 85%, and CO2 by up to 25%. 

Energy efficiency

On new ships’ lighting is provided by energy-efficient LED and our heating, ventilation and air conditioning system self-adjusts to the weather and the number of passengers onboard. 

Shore power capability

7 of our ships are now able to connect to shore power, potentially enabling the onboard engines to be switched off whilst in berth 

Advanced analytics

Digitalisation is allowing us to anticipate and address inefficiencies in systems and equipment, and provide the crew with specific guidance for performance improvements. 

Heat recovery

Heat recovery systems allow the intelligent redistribution of heat and cold where needed throughout the ship. 

Trim stabiliser

A software application monitors the ship’s stability to support the deck officers in optimising the vessel’s trim – and therefore reducing fuel consumption. 

Reducing drag 

Our ship hulls are coated with hi-tech paints that slow the growth of marine organisms, thereby reducing drag and improving energy efficiency. 

Ballast water treatment system 

All ballast water is filtered and UV treated before being discharged at sea to ensure that it does not contain harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens

We aim to reduce onboard water demand by 3% per year for each ship, in a combination of monitoring usage, fitting water saving technologies, and training and educating crew.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.

Scientific studies over the years have revealed that this practice has allowed bacteria, microbes, small invertebrates, larvae and other microorganisms to be transported from one location to another around the world, potentially threatening local ecosystems.

To prevent this, and to comply with strict international regulations, all 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.In 2021, 100% of ballast water was filtered and UV treated before being discharged at sea.

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