September 11, 2023. The world’s first cruise voyage with net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, achieved by the MSC Euribia, the new ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) from MSC Group, marks a change paradigm for the segment. It demonstrates that net-zero emissions cruise travel is already possible today, significantly ahead of the 2050 target for the industry. The MSC Euribia achieved this milestone using Bio-LNG as fuel through the application of mass balance.
Following MSC Euribia’s historic net-zero GHG maiden voyage from Saint Nazaire, France, to Copenhagen, Denmark, 3-8 June 2023, including a day in Amsterdam, MSC Cruises can now share key data and the knowledge gathered from the journey. Over four days, MSC Euribia performed 11% better than its digital twin, a virtual ship that replicates optimal energy flow and utilization on board, achieving an overall saving of 43 tonnes of fuel. Optimal speed profiles, routing, engine tuning and configuration, and strict optimization of the hotel’s energy consumption, including HVAC, kitchens and lighting, ensured that MSC Euribia never had to use more than two of its four engines available during the trip. Additionally, all the heat needed for the galleys, heating systems and hot water on board was recovered from the MSC Euribia’s engines, meaning there was no need to use the boilers for the entire voyage.
Achieving net zero performance was made possible by using Bio-LNG as fuel. The MSC Euribia used a mass balance system, the most cost-effective and environmentally efficient method to deliver the benefits of renewable LNG, fully recognized by the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). Every batch of Bio-LNG produced was certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).
