MSC Cruise Division Reports Progress on Decarbonisation as LNG-Powered Fleet Expands

Cruise operator says it achieved IMO 2030 carbon intensity target ahead of schedule

MSC Group has released its 2025 Sustainability Report for its cruise division, covering both MSC Cruises and luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys, outlining progress on decarbonisation, environmental initiatives and workforce development as the company continues to expand its global cruise operations.

According to the report, the cruise division recorded progress across emissions reduction, destination stewardship, biodiversity protection and employee-focused programmes during 2025.

MSC Claims Early Achievement of IMO Carbon Intensity Target

The company stated that its cruise operations achieved the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 carbon intensity reduction target five years ahead of schedule.

MSC said the achievement forms part of its internally developed Energy Transition Plan, which supports the company’s objective of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from marine operations by 2050, in line with broader IMO decarbonisation ambitions.

LNG Remains Central to Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy

A significant portion of MSC’s emissions reduction strategy is centred on the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion.

During 2025, MSC introduced MSC World America, its third LNG-powered dual-fuel cruise ship, into service. The company also confirmed that all future newbuild vessels across MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys will be equipped with dual-fuel LNG capability.

While LNG is considered a lower-emission alternative to conventional marine fuels, it remains a fossil fuel. LNG can reduce sulphur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions while lowering carbon dioxide emissions compared with traditional fuel oils, though it does not eliminate greenhouse gas emissions entirely.

Explora III Completes Sea Trials

The report also highlighted progress within Explora Journeys’ fleet expansion programme.

The company’s latest vessel, Explora III, recently completed sea trials ahead of delivery. The ship will be the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet.

In a social media update, Explora Journeys stated:

“The third ship in our journey and the first powered by LNG, Explora III reflects the continued evolution of our approach to luxury ocean travel.”

Following the completion of sea trials, the vessel is returning to Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Italy for final outfitting and interior completion.

Vessel Scheduled to Enter Service in July

Explora III is expected to begin operations on 24 July 2026 with an inaugural repositioning voyage, followed by an official naming ceremony in Barcelona on 1 August 2026.