MSC World Europa has achieved a milestone by becoming the first ship to connect to the shore power facility in Valletta Harbour Malta, marking the initial operation of such a facility in the Mediterranean Sea on July 10.
During her berth in Valletta, the ship utilized electricity from the local power grid, enabling all engines to be switched off and eliminating the vessel's direct emissions at the port.
Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, toured the LNG-powered MSC ship World Europa, guided by Captain Stefano Battinelli.
Abela, along with other Maltese government officials, received a presentation from Michele Francioni, chief energy transition officer for MSC Cruises, outlining the cruise line’s strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
MSC Cruises aims to establish 220 shore power connections by the end of 2024 across destinations including China, Norway, Germany, the UK, and Malta, with 16 of its 22 ships equipped to utilize shore power.
Additionally, MSC Cruises plans to incorporate at least 15 new ports into its shore power network between 2024 and 2026.