MSC Cruises Celebrates Consecutive Shore Power Connections in Malta

The cruise division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has achieved a significant milestone in its decarbonization efforts by connecting two of its vessels to shore power in Valetta, Malta. This initiative marks an important step towards sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility.
Significant Connections in Malta
On October 15 and 16, 2023, two MSC vessels—the MSC World Europa and the Explora II—were successfully connected to shore power at Valetta’s Grand Harbour. The MSC World Europa, launched in 2022, is the company’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Explora II was delivered by Fincantieri in September 2024 and is noted for being the first Explora Journeys unit to utilize shore-side electricity in Europe.
Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure
This shore-power system in Malta represents a national investment aimed at reducing air pollution, enhancing community tranquility, and promoting sustainable tourism. Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the importance of international operators like MSC in utilizing this facility, which exemplifies the Mediterranean region’s commitment to environmental goals.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, noted Malta’s role as the first Mediterranean port to implement such a system. He emphasized that sustainable infrastructure can align with the growth of cruise tourism.
Impact on Local Emissions
The recent connections signify a historic first for MSC, contributing significantly to the company’s global shore power program. Since opening the Valetta shore power facility in 2024, the MSC World Europa has utilized it extensively. The vessels have collectively spent around 300 hours connected to shore power, which effectively reduces local emissions by approximately one month’s worth of emissions from vessels at berth.
Investments in Technology
- MSC Cruises has approximately 25 ships in its fleet.
- Since 2017, all new vessels have been equipped with shore power capabilities.
- Currently, 18 ships within the fleet have been outfitted to utilize this technology.
- Last year, MSC Cruises connected to shore power over 100 times at 13 ports.
Efforts continue to retrofit additional ships in the fleet with shore power capabilities, signaling MSC’s commitment to enhancing its environmental sustainability practices.