The adoption of LNG as fuel on up to nine of our future ships will allow a reduction of carbon emissions by as much as 20% compared with same ship using conventional fossil fuels. Compared to using conventional fuel, LNG reduces SOx emissions by more than 99% and NOx emissions by up to 85%. It also essentially eliminates particulate matter in the exhaust. Our first LNG-powered ship, MSC World Europa, will enter service in 2022.

We are also investing in a ground-breaking project that aims to integrate a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology demonstrator onboard MSC World Europa using LNG to produce electricity and useable heat. This process is around 25% more efficient than a medium speed internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the emissions by the equivalent amount.

At present, this technology has only been tested in a laboratory but if the onboard results match, or even exceed, our estimates then we plan to increase the scale of fuel cells to support energy needs of future ships.

In parallel, we are evaluating the use of batteries as a supporting energy solution, providing smart energy storage and a ready to use power reserve when required. The evaluation will incorporate full life cycle analysis to validate the large-scale use of batteries.

New technology and low carbon fuels are fundamental to our carbon reduction strategy

 

 

Our ships are fitted with the latest freshwater production plants and 80% of all freshwater used onboard is self-produced. This means that we minimise taking this precious resource from destinations ashore where freshwater can be scarce.

Signage on the ships encourages our guests and crew to consume water responsibly, and we are now installing flow restricting aerators on all taps and showerheads. This will help reduce our use of tap water by up to two-thirds.
All wastewater on board is discharged to sea according to stringent international, national, and local regulations in force.

Since 2007, we have equipped our new ships with Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS) that turn black and grey wastewater to near tap-water quality.

In addition, all our ships are able to discharge treated water at port where adequate port reception facilities connected to local wastewater treatment systems are available. This is notably the case in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Baltic Sea.

Although regulations generally allow untreated sewage (blackwater) to be discharged once a ship is travelling more than 12 nautical miles from land, we do not allow this under normal operation in any circumstances and require that the ship requests permission from the Company, when a rare and exceptional discharge is necessary.

Regulations also permit the disposal of bilge and oily water at sea if it has been treated through an approved oily water separator. However, we follow a strict policy not to do this and instead discharge ashore all bilge and oily water, where it can be properly treated at approved port reception facilities.

Our advanced wastewater treatment systems process wastewater to near tap water quality.

 

 

 

 

All our ships are equipped with comprehensive solid waste management and recycling facilities.

All organic waste, as well as recyclable disposable items including plastics, metals, paper and glass, are collected and separated by specially trained waste handling crew members. Waste is compacted, separated or incinerated, and residual waste is carefully delivered to dedicated port facilities.
Training our crew, not only to handle waste, but to understand the importance of waste management, is central to what we do. Our crew members receive ongoing training to ensure they remain abreast of the highest standards and can inform our guests about the need to separate and recycle.

The Environmental Compliance Officer on every ship is responsible for ensuring waste management protocols are followed