MSC Cruises to Cut Fleetwide Emissions by Up to 15%

MSC Cruises is poised to reduce its fleetwide emissions by as much as 15% by 2026 through the introduction of a new itinerary planning optimization tool called OptiCruise, according to a press release.

Developed in collaboration with OPTIMeasy, this innovative mathematical model analyzes various factors that influence the planning of MSC Cruises’ itineraries. The primary objective is to achieve maximum efficiency while maintaining or enhancing guest satisfaction, as stated by the company.

The MSC Bellissima was chosen to test the prototype technology over a 12-month period, during which it will sail between 17 ports in the Mediterranean Sea.

“We have identified and developed this new technology to optimize the decision-making process of itinerary planning with the aim to further reduce emissions across our fleet from 2026," said Michele Francioni, chief energy transition officer at MSC Cruises.

“The OPTIMeasy team calculates that the average fuel savings made, and emissions reduced by using OptiCruise are in the range of 10-15 percent which is a significant step forward in our ambition to achieve our net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050 for our marine operations.”

Traditionally, voyage planning in the global cruise industry has focused on the appeal of destinations to potential holidaymakers. OptiCruise seeks to broaden this approach by considering a range of factors that impact itinerary efficiency.

These include the sequencing of port calls, departure and arrival times, ship speed, destination attractiveness, shore excursions, and operational costs such as fuel, port charges, and food provisions.

The tool’s algorithms analyze this data to identify optimized itineraries that maintain guest appeal while enhancing energy efficiency.

MSC Cruises’ strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 for its marine operations focuses on three key areas: ship and engine technology, operational efficiency, and renewable fuels. OptiCruise falls under the operational efficiency category, aiming to improve energy consumption through increased digitalization.

OptiCruise was developed under the European Union’s Project CHEK, which explores low-carbon shipping technologies and innovative designs.