By
Laura Hyde |
MSC Group’s Cruise Division, which includes cruise brands MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, has achieved the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 carbon intensity reduction target five years ahead of schedule, according to its 2025 Sustainability Report. Additionally, MSC Group’s Cruise Division is on track to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for marine operations by 2050.
The seventh annual Sustainability Report shows the division has made “measurable and sustained” progress on decarbonisation, destination stewardship, biodiversity and workforce initiatives.
MSC Cruises currently has three LNG-powered vessels in operation (MSC Euribia, MSC World Europa and MSC World America). MSC Group has also committed to equipping all future newbuild ships in both the MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys fleets with dual-fuel engine technology. The business reduced its 2025 carbon emissions by 48,714 tonnes by implementing various initiatives, which included using over 9,800 tonnes of renewable fuels.
MSC Group will equip all future newbuild ships for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys with dual-fuel engine technology
The business also continues to invest in ports and destinations worldwide. In 2025, it opened two new terminals, one in Barcelona, Spain, and another in Miami, Florida, both developed with sustainable solutions embedded from the outset. Shore power capabilities were expanded across the fleets, with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys ships making 217 successful connections in 2025, reducing emissions in berth.
Ships in MSC Group’s Cruise Division made 217 successful shore power connections in ports in 2025
Additionally, the report spotlights the group’s biodiversity strategy, which includes adopting whale strike mitigation measures, route adjustments in sensitive areas and water resource management. In 2025, it produced 84.4 per cent of freshwater onboard to minimise volumes taken from onshore. The report also highlights the group’s efforts to enhance crew training, with over 1.7 million hours of training delivered by digital learning and leadership programmes. Onboard staff retention rates also reached 91 per cent in 2025.
“We are advancing our energy transition while investing in our people, strengthening relationships with communities and taking a more structured approach to biodiversity,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division. “I am proud of our progress, and this year’s report shows our commitment is unwavering as our business grows.”