MSC Cruises (world's 3rd-largest cruise shipowner) released data from the world's first net-zero greenhouse gas/GHG emissions ship cruise, completed by the LNG-powered liner lMSC Euribia.
This achievement demonstrates that net-zero emissions cruising is attainable today, well in advance of the industry's 2050 target. MSC Euribia achieved this feat by employing bio-LNG as fuel through a mass balance approach.
Following MSC Euribia's historic maiden voyage with net-zero GHG emissions from Saint Nazaire, France, to Copenhagen, Denmark, spanning June 3rd to 8th, 2023, including a stop in Amsterdam, MSC can now share valuable data and insights from the journey.
Throughout the 4-day voyage, MSC Euribia outperformed her digital twin - an idealized vessel replicating the most efficient energy usage on board - by 11%. This resulted in an overall fuel savings of 43 tonnes. Careful optimization of speed profiles, routing, trim, engine configuration, and energy consumption within the ship's facilities, including HVAC, galleys, and lighting, ensured that MSC Euribia never needed to engage more than two of her four available engines during the voyage. Furthermore, all required heat for galleys, heating systems, and hot water on board was derived from MSC Euribia's engines, eliminating the need for boilers throughout the entire journey.
The utilization of bio-LNG as fuel was instrumental in achieving net-zero performance. MSC Euribia employed bio-LNG with a mass balance system, which is both cost-effective and environmentally efficient in delivering the benefits of renewable LNG, recognized by the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). Each batch of bio-LNG used was certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC).
This successful voyage underscores the feasibility of net-zero GHG emissions in maritime operations today, provided alternative fuels are accessible. The data and insights gathered during the journey will be leveraged to further optimize the existing ships in the fleet, thereby reducing emissions intensity across MSC Group's entire cruise fleet.
Additionally, a recent Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between MSC and Gasum, a fuel supplier, paving the way for MSC to access liquefied synthetic gas (e-LNG), a renewable fuel produced through hydrogen and captured carbon, generated via hydrolysis with renewable energy.