Planet

For every new ship class that we develop, we completely revise the design to achieve optimal efficiency. We rethink the ship’s overall structure, deck space, weight distribution including the ship’s hull, rudder and bulbous bow to reach optimal hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, and maximise energy and fuel efficiency.     

 

Reducing air pollution

We have installed hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) on 15 of our cruise ships which reduce SOx emissions by 98%, and Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems on 6 ships, which reduces NOx by up to 85%. 

 

Underwater radiated noise

Our latest low-noise propellers and innovative hull designs reduce impacts on marine life and enhance Guest and Crew comfort. 

 

 

Water is precious
Over 80% is of our freshwater is produced on board. Aeration faucets cut consumption by up to 2/3 and advance wastewater treatment systems purify all water consumed.

 

Waste management
We keep waste to a minimum and separate paper, aluminum, glass, plastic and other recyclables for delivery to specialist port recycling facilities

 

New fuel types
In 2022, we have launched MSC World Europa, 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%. 

 

Maximising Energy efficiency
Smart heating, ventilation & cooling systems, plus long-lasting LED lighting have contributed to reducing fleet carbon intensity by 34% since 2008.

 

Shore power capability
11 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.

 

Smart HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system)
Intelligent distribution of heat and cold air to minimize the energy required to keep guests and crew comfortable.

 

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 to prevent the transport of invasive species. 

  

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.

Our ships are designed to reduce noise radiated under the water surface, thus minimising noise or vibration that might impact aquatic mammals. Noise reduction is achieved on various levels. A significant amount of effort goes into studying and perfecting the ship’s hull design, hydrodynamics and propulsion system.

 

Through extensive testing and simulations with our ship-building partners, we rely on optimized hull designs to minimise resistance when moving through the water. Less ‘drag’ means smoother movement through the water and less noise. Insulation of potentially noisy equipment such as engines and generators on board the ship will also have a positive impact on reducing under water noise.

 

We are also reducing noise thanks to our propeller which is equipped with an air lubrication system that balances the pressure around the propeller. As the ship moves through the water, the propeller blades create low pressure and the bubble system is able to equalize this therefore reducing the noise.

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.

MSC Cruises is committed to supporting the health of our oceans. In 2022, following discussions with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, OceanCare and WWF Greece, we agreed to re-route our ships on the west coast of Greece to reduce the risk of collision with endangered sperm whales in the Mediterranean.

In addition, in 2023 we have partnered with marine conservation charity ORCA to deliver a comprehensive ship strike mitigation programme for the line’s deck officers to reduce the likelihood of collisions with whales, dolphins and porpoises in oceans around the world.