The MSC Group’s Cruise Division marked a significant advancement in its decarbonization strategy as MSC World Europa and EXPLORA II successfully connected to shore power at Valletta’s Grand Harbour on 15th and 16th October 2025.
The consecutive connections represented a first for the Group, with EXPLORA II becoming the inaugural Explora Journeys vessel to link to shore-side electricity in Europe. The event was attended by Malta’s Prime Minister, Dr. Robert Abela, alongside senior government representatives, emphasizing Malta’s growing role in sustainable maritime operations.
During the occasion, Dr. Abela noted that Malta’s partnership with international maritime operators such as MSC Group demonstrated how the nation could balance economic growth with environmental progress. He highlighted that the shore-power infrastructure at Grand Harbour constituted a national investment aimed at reducing emissions, improving air quality, and fostering sustainable tourism. Since the system became operational in 2024—when MSC World Europa first utilized it—MSC Cruises’ vessels have logged approximately 300 hours connected to shore power, achieving an emission reduction equivalent to half a month of standard port operations.
The milestone coincided with the 20th anniversary of the GreenPort Congress and the “Decarbonising the Future” Conference, held in Malta, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the European Union’s Fit for 55 objectives. Under this initiative, all major European ports are required to provide shore power facilities by 2030.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, remarked that the achievement illustrated how coordinated investment, technology, and partnership could yield immediate environmental benefits. He noted Malta’s pioneering role as the first Mediterranean port to make shore power operational and expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of the Maltese Government in advancing sustainable port infrastructure.
All MSC Cruises ships constructed since 2017 have been built with shore power capability, and retrofit work continues across the existing fleet. At present, 18 of the Cruise Division’s 25 ships can connect to shore-side electricity, with further installations underway.
In 2024, MSC Cruises achieved 142 successful shore power connections in 13 ports—more than three times the number recorded the previous year. The Group continues to expand the availability of shore-side connections across its global operations, aligning with its broader objective to reduce emissions during port stays and contribute to a cleaner maritime environment.