Planet
We are fully committed to playing our part in addressing climate change and promoting ocean biodiversity. We are determined to accelerate our transition toward net zero emissions by 2050 from our marine operations. We work closely with leading technology companies, shipyards, and fuel providers to push the boundaries of what is possible. In 2022, we launched our first LNG powered ship – a significant milestone on this important journey.
Pathway to decarbonisation
We believe that we will meet the IMO (International Maritime Organization) carbon intensity goal of a 40% reduction from 2008 levels well ahead of the 2030 milestone set by the IMO.
Since decarbonizing marine operations is one of our main priorities our ambitious goal is to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Pathway to decarbonisation
Improving Quality of Ships Emissions
Today, 15 of 22 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.
6 of our ships are 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.
12 of our ships, including all our new ships, are 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.
Improving Quality of Ships Emissions
Responsible waste management
Our entire cruising fleet has achieved ISO 21070:2017 certification for marine environmental protection meaning that we manage waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
This certification proves that we are creating less waste than previously and have specific procedures in place to help us manage waste on our ships, including handling, collection,
separation, marking, treatment, and storage.
It also demonstrates that we have appropriate ship-to-shore interface for the delivery of waste from our ships to port reception facilities.
Responsible waste management
Protecting the biodiversity of our oceans
Maintaining the health of our oceans is key to protecting the planet. As well as being a significant carbon sink, our oceans are home to a wealth of wildlife. MSC Cruises continues to play a proactive role in protecting the marine and coastal habitats around Ocean Cay. We also take care of our use of water for ballast, treating it to ensure it has no adverse environmental impacts.
Marine conservation on Ocean Cay: A fifth of the marine and coastal habitats surrounding the Bahamas have been designated as Marine Protected Areas – in other words, areas that are under some form of management, like Ocean Cay. Following a rigorous selection process, Ocean Cay has been declared a ‘Hope Spot’ by Mission Blue, a coalition committed to the protection of the ocean, indicating that it has been scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean. We hope that Ocean Cay will one day be designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Protecting the biodiversity of our oceans
Ballast Water Treatment
One of the challenges in operating a cruise ship is keeping the weight, centre of gravity, and stability requirements balanced and consistent throughout a voyage. To help us do this, there are tanks distributed in the lower part of a ship which can be filled with seawater to act as ballast.
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 2022, 100% of ballast water was filtered and UV treated before being discharged at sea.
Ballast Water Treatment
sustainability reports
Our sustainability strategy is organized around four key pillars: Planet, People, Place and ProcurementBrowse our Sustainability reports and find out what are our actions and goals to achieve sustainable cruising.
