The Cruise Division of the MSC Group released its 2024 Sustainability Report today, reaffirming its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. The report is accompanied by an independently certified Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which outlines the roadmap and actions to meet this target.
This marks the sixth annual report and documents milestones in areas such as environmental innovation, responsible tourism, and social contribution. It reflects the Cruise Division’s overall sustainability strategy for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Cruises Division, stated:
“As a family business, we are not just sailing for tomorrow — we are designing our ships for future generations. Our ships are built with fuel flexibility, driven by innovation, and crewed by people who share our vision.
In 2024, we strengthened our commitment with a bold and clear sustainability strategy, focused on environmental responsibility, social accountability, and economic resilience.”
Key Highlights from the 2024 Sustainability Report:
The Energy Transition Plan for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys includes interim absolute emissions reduction targets and acts as the published roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Avoided 50,000 tons of CO? through fleet optimization tools (OptiCruise and Oceanly Performance) that support efficient navigation and route planning.
Significant increase in shore power connections — from 44 connections at 13 ports in 2023 to 142 connections in 2024. All new ships since 2017 are shore power-compatible, and retrofitting of existing ships is ongoing.
Crew retention rate rose to 89% from 83% in 2023 — indicating a strong professional environment and commitment to workforce development.
Established a Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board to promote equal opportunities across a crew composed of over 140 nationalities.
Continued investment in destinations such as Ocean Cay, where environmental management has allowed marine wildlife to thrive and coral reef restoration efforts are ongoing.
Trained 469 crew members in whale strike prevention, in cooperation with environmental NGO ORCA, to protect endangered species.
Conducted over 4,500 organized shore excursions across 84 countries — 284 of which were “Protectours,” low-impact, experiential activities.
In 2024, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys carried 4.6 million passengers on 341 itineraries across 90 countries.
The MSC Cruise Division remains focused on:
Adopting clean energy solutions
Modernizing its fleet
Supporting investments in port infrastructure
Collaborating with the broader maritime industry to accelerate the global energy transition
Mr. Vago added:
“Decarbonization doesn’t have a single solution. It’s a puzzle we’re solving piece by piece — with new technologies, operational excellence, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to moving forward.”
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise company and a leading operator in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Southern Africa, with a growing presence in North America and Asia. The company is fully committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Explora Journeys is the luxury brand of the MSC Group, also based in Geneva. Its vision is to create an “Ocean State of Mind,” connecting guests to the sea, themselves, and like-minded travelers. Its unique itineraries combine well-known destinations with lesser-known ports to offer journeys of discovery.
A fleet of six luxury ships is scheduled to launch between 2023 and 2028, beginning with the delivery of EXPLORA I on July 24, 2023. Explora Journeys introduces a new style of transformative ocean travel.
