100 FEATURE with shore power capabilities. In 2025, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys ships made 217 shore power connections totalling 1,607 hours connected and 12,866 megawatt hours consumed.” There are still barriers to be overcome before the technology’s full potential can be realised, though. “Connecting to shore power can increase operational costs by 20 per cent to 60 per cent compared to producing electricity using ships’ engines,” says Francioni. “This highlights the need for fair and transparent pricing mechanisms and consistent approaches across ports to support uptake and accelerate investment in port infrastructure.” MSC Group is also using digital tools to sharpen itinerary planning. “The way we design and optimise itineraries can achieve significant energy savings and emissions reduction by adjusting arrival and departure time, port sequencing and deploying ships most suitable to a particular itinerary,” says Francioni. “OptiCruise is a digital itinerary optimisation tool now used across MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to plan routes that can improve energy performance by balancing environmental and commercial considerations.” When it comes to regulation, Francioni argues policy needs to move in step with technology. “We support the role of the International Maritime Organization as the global regulator for international shipping, and the target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by or around 2050,” he says. “A globally coordinated approach is essential to provide clarity for investment and avoid fragmentation across regions. Clear, consistent and well-designed regulation will be critical to accelerating development and scaling of the technologies and fuels needed to enable the maritime sector’s transition.” Neither operator claims to have solved decarbonisation, but both are making significant strides towards more sustainable operations as innovation continues across all aspects of their newest vessels. As Naigur puts it: “The most effective path to decarbonisation will likely combine cleaner fuels with operational and technological improvements rather than relying on any single solution.” “ Clear, consistent and well-designed regulation will be critical to accelerating development” Michele Francioni, MSC Cruises Norwegian Viva received a biofuel blend while in the Port of Piraeus, further advancing NCLH’s alternative fuel testing efforts. To date, over 70 per cent of the company’s fleet has been tested using biofuel blends Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
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