MSC Group reaffirms commitment to sustainability strategy in Cruise Division

MSC Group’s Cruise Division has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in its 2024 sustainability report.

The Cruise Division, which encompasses two different brands, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, said in its 2024 sustainability report that it has launched an independently-verified energy transition plan to outline absolute emissions reduction targets, and accelerate its net-zero progress.

In 2024, fleet-wide optimisation efforts led to the reduction of 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. In addition, MSC Group also expanded its use of shore power connections, with the number of connections rising from 44 in 2023 to 142 in 2024, across 13 ports. All new ships developed since 2017 have been built with shore power capabilities, while the retrofitting of older vessels continues, the group noted.

‘Future generations’

“As a family business, we do not operate ships just for tomorrow,” commented Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, MSC Group’s Cruise division. “We sail them for future generations, designed for fuel flexibility, guided by innovation, and powered by people who share our long-term vision.

“The Cruise Division in 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a bold and transparent sustainability strategy that balances environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience.”

Other initiatives undertaken by the group include investment in its destinations, including Ocean Cay in the Bahamas, where efforts are underway to restore coral and support marine life, as well as the formation of a Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Scaling solutions

In 2024, the combined fleets of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys carried 4.6 million guests and sailed to 90 countries, with Vago noting that the group remains focused on scaling clean energy solutions, retrofitting its fleet, and collaborating across both the port and maritime sector to accelerate the global energy transition.

“There is no single solution to decarbonisation. It is a puzzle we solve piece by piece – with new technology, operational excellence, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to move forward,” he said. Read more here.