The first net-zero greenhouse gas (“GHG”) cruise voyage, undertaken by MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises’ newest LNG-powered ship, marks a paradigm shift for the industry. The voyage demonstrates that net-zero emissions cruises are possible today, significantly ahead of the sector’s 2050 target. MSC Euribia achieved this milestone by using bioLNG as fuel and applying mass balance principles.
Following MSC Euribia net-zero maiden voyage from Saint-Nazaire, France, to Copenhagen, Denmark, between June 3 and 8, 2023 – including a day in Amsterdam – MSC Cruises has shared key data and insights gathered during the crossing. Over the four-day voyage, MSC Euribia achieved an overall fuel saving of 43 tons. Optimal speed, route, trim, and engine configuration profiles, along with strict optimization of hotel energy consumption, including HVAC, kitchens, and lighting, ensured that MSC Euribia never had to use more than two of its four available engines during the entire voyage. Furthermore, all the heat required for the kitchens, heating systems, and hot water on board was recovered from the ship’s engines, meaning there was no need to use the boilers during the entire trip.
Achieving a net zero yield was made possible by using bioLNG as fuel.
The successful completion of this voyage provides a clear indication that net-zero GHG emissions maritime operations are possible today with the availability of alternative fuels. The data and information gathered during the voyage will be used to optimize existing vessels in the fleet, further reducing emissions intensity across the entire MSC Cruises fleet.
Michele Francioni, Senior Vice President of Optimization for the MSC Group's Cruise Division, commented: “We are very proud of this achievement, which demonstrates that net-zero fuel consumption cruises are now possible. Our onboard engineers and our crew, led by Captain Battinelli, have done a fantastic job optimizing the ship's operation. ”
The recent signing of a Letter of Intent between MSC Cruises and Gasum, a fuel supplier, will provide MSC with access to liquefied synthetic gas, or e-LNG, a renewable fuel produced from hydrogen, created by electrolysis with renewable energy and captured carbon.
Linden Coppell, Vice President of Sustainability, stated: “The partnership with Gasum will allow us to access new, cleaner fuels, which are essential for taking a significant step towards net-zero emissions cruising. We need more suppliers like Gasum to step up and support our industry. We are ready and waiting to purchase more of these new fuels.”
MSC Euribia 's pioneering net-zero greenhouse gas emissions voyage has recently been recognized in the cruise industry by receiving the "Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2023" award at the Seatrade Cruise Awards 2023
