MSC World Europa Makes Historic Shore Power Connection in the Mediterranean Sea
In a monumental move towards environmental sustainability, MSC Cruises achieved a significant milestone as MSC World Europa successfully connected to shore power in the port of Valetta, Malta. This marks the first operational shore power facility in the Mediterranean, showcasing the company's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
MSC Cruises, a leader in the cruise industry, has prioritized the use of shore power as part of its strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emission operations by 2050. Shore power allows a ship, in this case, MSC World Europa, to connect directly to the local power grid while in port, eliminating the need to keep the ship's engine running and thereby reducing direct emissions.
Earlier 2023 year, MSC Cruises conducted initial tests at Valletta, contributing valuable experience to refine the shore power implementation process. Going forward, MSC World Europa will regularly connect to shore power facilities during its calls in Valletta, with weekly visits planned throughout 2024 and 2025.
Since 2017, every new ship joining the MSC Cruises fleet has been equipped with a shore power connection, and plans are underway to retrofit existing ships. The company has witnessed an increasing number of port calls utilizing shore power, with recent successful connections in Northern Europe, including Warnemünde in Germany, Norwegian ports, and Southampton in the UK. The historic connection in Valetta adds a Mediterranean port to this list.
MSC Cruises is poised to expand its shore power initiative, aiming to add at least 15 new ports to its plan between 2024 and 2026. The focus includes Italian ports like Genoa, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, and Trieste, as well as prominent international ports such as Barcelona, Hamburg, Valencia, Marseille, Copenhagen, and the upcoming cruise terminal in Miami. The company emphasizes the importance of collaboration with ports and regions, as evidenced by a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance shore power facilities in the Baltic Sea area. Similar commitments are being pursued with other Mediterranean ports.
In summary, MSC Cruises' successful connection of MSC World Europa to shore power in Valetta not only signifies a significant step towards sustainable maritime practices in the Mediterranean but also underscores the company's ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact globally.