MSC Shares Data From Groundbreaking Net-Zero Cruise
MSC Euribia, the world's first net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cruise ship, has successfully completed its maiden voyage.
The ship, which is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), used bio-LNG as fuel, which is produced from renewable sources.
The voyage from Saint Nazaire, France, to Copenhagen, Denmark, took place between June 3 and June 8, 2023. During the four-day journey, MSC Euribia performed 11% better than its digital twin, a virtual ship that simulates the ship's energy consumption. This resulted in an overall saving of 43 tonnes of fuel.
The ship's crew also implemented several measures to reduce emissions, such as optimising speed profiles, routing, and engine configuration. They also strictly controlled hotel-related energy consumption, such as HVAC, galleys, and lighting. As a result, MSC Euribia never had to use more than two of its four engines during the voyage.
The use of bio-LNG was essential to achieving net-zero emissions. Bio-LNG is produced from renewable sources, such as biomass, and does not produce any emissions when burned. It is the most cost-effective and environmentally efficient way to reduce emissions from shipping.
The successful completion of MSC Euribia's maiden voyage is a major milestone for the cruise industry. It demonstrates that net-zero emissions cruising is possible today using existing technology. The data collected from the voyage will be used to optimise other ships in the MSC fleet and to further develop the use of bio-LNG in the maritime industry.
MSC Cruises is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The company has set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The successful completion of MSC Euribia's maiden voyage is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The Future of Net-Zero Cruising
The success of MSC Euribia's maiden voyage is a breakthrough for the cruise industry. However, there are still challenges to overcome. The availability of bio-LNG is still limited, and the cost of the fuel is higher than traditional LNG. The cruise industry will need to work with governments and fuel suppliers to increase the availability of bio-LNG and reduce the cost of the fuel.
Despite these challenges, the future of net-zero cruising is bright. The technology is there, and the industry is committed to achieving this goal. With the right support, the cruise industry can lead the way in decarbonising the maritime sector.
To view and compare company ESG Ratings and Sustainability Reports, visit our Company ESG Profiles page.
Source: MSC
