MSC Group 's cruise division has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, which shows clear and steady progress in decarbonization, responsible destination management, biodiversity and workforce-related initiatives, while both cruise lines continue to grow globally.
Based on the Energy Transition Plan, the report shows that MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys remain on track to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in their maritime operations by 2050. In 2025, the MSC Group's cruise division achieved the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2030 carbon intensity reduction target five years ahead of schedule.
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Group's Cruises division, said: “We are making progress in our energy transition while investing in our people, strengthening relationships with communities, and taking a more structured approach to biodiversity. I am proud of our progress, and this year's report demonstrates that our commitment is unwavering as our business grows.”.
MSC World America, the company's third LNG-powered ship equipped with biofuel engine technology, entered service in 2025. All future new builds for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys will feature this technology. In addition to fleet investment, the company continues to invest in ports and destinations worldwide. Two new terminals opened in Barcelona and Miami in 2025, both developed with environmental considerations in mind from the outset.
Throughout the year, MSC Cruises adopted a more structured approach to community engagement, focusing on establishing closer and more productive dialogue with local communities. Initiatives included direct involvement in priority issues, educational outreach programs, ship visits for local stakeholders, and closer collaboration with ports, authorities, and partners.
Environmental protection remains a fundamental element in all activities. The report highlights key aspects of the Group's biodiversity strategy, including measures to mitigate whale collisions, route adjustments in sensitive areas, and improved crew training. Construction of a marine conservation center at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, an island destination designated a "Hope Spot" by the non-profit organization Mission Blue, was completed in 2025.
Investing in people remains a priority as the business grows, and progress in employee engagement is reflected in improved crew retention rates, which reached 91% in 2025.
The company's seventh report shows quantifiable and consistent progress based on continuous investment, innovation, adaptability, and collaboration
Key highlights of the report include:
– The energy transition plan is progressing as scheduled, with clear milestones up to 2050 and ongoing adaptation to evolving regulations.
– The IMO's 2030 carbon intensity target has been achieved five years ahead of schedule, thanks to continuous fleet modernization and operational improvements.
– In 2025, over 9,800 tonnes of renewable fuels were used, resulting in a reduction of 48,714 tonnes of CO2e emissions.
– For the first time, GHG emissions have been mapped across the entire value chain, encompassing shipbuilding, dry dock operations, employee travel, food and beverage procurement and logistics, and waste generation: a significant step towards aligning with the requirements of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
– Expanded use of the shore power grid across the entire fleet, with 217 connections successfully completed by 2025, reducing emissions while docked.
– Updated biodiversity strategy, with measures focused on marine protection and responsible tourism.
– Improved water resource management, including onboard production of 84.4% of freshwater to minimize volumes extracted from land.
– Strengthened commitment to the community, including the launch in Spain and Portugal of the “All Aboard!” educational initiative for young people, in collaboration with CLIA, reaching nearly 200 schoolchildren.
– Expanded employee initiatives, including the launch of “Our Best,” a cultural transformation program involving all employees.
– Launch of a renewed employee value proposition to strengthen our ability to attract, engage, and retain talent globally.
– Continued commitment to skills development, with over 1.7 million hours of training delivered, ranging from digital learning to leadership programs.
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