Sustainable Leadership Award 2024

Since its foundation, MSC Cruises has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the planet and the oceans. This dedication is reflected in its Sustainability Action Plan, which outlines six key areas and sets measurable goals to ensure a positive impact on the environment and on each of its routes. This effort has earned it the Sustainable Leadership award in the Traveling for Happiness 2024 awards.

The company's Sustainability Action Plan guides its environmental and social initiatives in six key areas: transitioning to zero net emissions, reducing local air emissions, optimizing resources, reducing waste, supporting people and developing sustainable destinations. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , these actions are reviewed annually in its Sustainability Report, where the company reflects its progress and challenges.

According to MSC Cruises CEO Fernando Pacheco, "our primary ambition is for the maritime industry to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with intermediate milestones in 2030 and 2040". This integrated vision across its operations positions MSC as a leader of significant change in the maritime industry, where sustainability and technological development are key pillars.

Through its sustainability plan, the company seeks to go beyond mere compliance with environmental regulations, being a proactive player in the design of a more environmentally friendly future. This sustainability model is a solid foundation for inspiring real and profound change.

Reducing carbon emissions: a firm commitment

One of MSC Cruises ' most notable achievements has been the reduction of its carbon intensity by 33.5% since 2008, thanks to the implementation of advanced technologies and the use of cleaner fuels. The company continually invests in improvements that reduce the environmental impact of its fleet, incorporating innovations such as advanced engines, fuel cells and onboard energy efficiency systems, as well as real-time solutions that allow the performance of each vessel to be monitored and optimized.

The transition to liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been a decisive step in MSC Cruises ' strategy to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2022, the company launched its first LNG-powered ship, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional marine fuels and almost completely eliminating emissions of sulfur oxides and particulate matter, as well as reducing nitrogen oxides by 85%. In 2023, the company reached another milestone with the maiden voyage of its ship MSC Euribia, the first cruise ship to make a net-zero emissions voyage thanks to the use of more than 400 tons of bio-LNG, a fuel certified under the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive.

"The use of LNG in two of our ships has allowed us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%, also moving towards bio-LNG and renewable synthetic LNG to reduce emissions by more than 80%," says Pacheco. The company is actively working on the development of new technologies, such as green hydrogen and methanol, which will enable future vessels to be even cleaner and more efficient, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainability and innovation.

The company has implemented sustainable management practices in the destinations it visits with the aim of reducing the footprint of its activity and promoting responsible tourism. This includes collaborations with local authorities and non-governmental organizations to ensure that its activities benefit local communities and protect ecosystems. Waste management and optimization of water use are priorities in each port, ensuring that maritime tourism contributes to the sustainable development of each region.

In addition, MSC Cruises promotes respect for local culture and encourages support for local businesses and products. Through its line of work focused on supporting people and destination development, the company seeks to create experiences that connect its passengers with the cultural and natural richness of the places they visit, generating a positive and lasting impact on the communities.