MSC Cruises claims to have achieved by 2025 the carbon intensity reduction target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for 2030. The information is contained in the Sustainability Report 2025 published by the Cruises division of the MSC Group, which includes MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
The announcement deserves the attention of tourism professionals. Not only because it concerns one of the world's largest cruise operators, but also because it comes at a time when environmental criteria are playing an increasingly important role in the decisions of travelers, businesses, and investors.
MSC presents this progress as the result of several years of investment in alternative fuels, energy efficiency, and new onboard technologies. The company believes it has thus reached the IMO's 2030 carbon intensity level five years ahead of schedule.
Summary
Investments that are starting to produce results
According to data published by the group, more than 9,800 tonnes of renewable fuels were used in 2025. MSC estimates that this consumption prevented the emission of 48,714 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
The development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) also remains central to the announced strategy. Entering service in 2025, the MSC World America became the third ship in the fleet equipped with dual-fuel engines. MSC specifies that this technology will be integrated into future ships of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
The company also highlights its dockside operations. In 2025, 217 electrical connections were made in equipped ports, reducing the need for engines when ships are stationary.
Two new terminals have also been inaugurated in Miami and Barcelona. MSC presents them as infrastructures designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of port operations.
The issue also becomes financial and regulatory
In my view, the most interesting part of the report may lie elsewhere. For the first time, MSC announces that it has carried out a complete mapping of emissions across its value chain, including logistics, procurement, food and waste management.
For a long time, tourism groups could communicate about their environmental commitments without going into detail. This era is gradually coming to an end. Large companies, investors, and authorities are now demanding much more precise data.
For MSC, the challenge is therefore not only to reduce its emissions. It is also about demonstrating its ability to measure and document its entire environmental impact.
I think this is one of the most important messages of this report. Tomorrow's battle won't just be fought on stated commitments. It will be fought on companies' ability to demonstrate their progress with verifiable indicators.
Water and biodiversity are playing an increasingly important role
The report also highlights several initiatives related to natural resources. MSC indicates that 84.4% of the fresh water consumed on board is produced directly on its ships, thus reducing dependence on local resources in certain destinations.
The group also highlights the opening of a marine conservation center at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. This area has been designated a "Hope Spot" by Mission Blue for its ecological importance.
These actions do not end the debates surrounding the environmental impact of cruising. However, they do show that cruise lines are now seeking to broaden their approach beyond the sole issue of carbon emissions.
A figure that will resonate with tourism professionals
Another indicator deserves attention: the crew retention rate will reach 91% in 2025 according to MSC.
In a sector that continues to face recruitment difficulties, this result is far from insignificant. The group also reports having provided more than 1.7 million hours of training during the year.
Decarbonization is often discussed when talking about sustainability. However, team stability remains just as important for service quality and customer experience. A loyal crew directly contributes to passenger satisfaction and the consistency of the onboard offering.
Why this announcement is also of interest to travel agencies
Travel advisors regularly encounter clients who question the environmental impact of their holidays. In this context, having precise data is always more useful than general talk about sustainable development.
Companies that organize seminars, incentive trips, or professional events follow the same logic. They are increasingly seeking partners capable of providing reliable information about their own environmental trajectory.
For MSC, the message is clear: the company wants to show that it is no longer content to simply follow the regulatory timetable. It seeks to demonstrate that it can move faster.
A battle that now goes beyond the environmental issue alone
The debate surrounding cruising has long been reduced to its environmental impact. Today, the subject is much broader. Transparency, financing, attractiveness to businesses, regulatory compliance, and passenger confidence are now closely intertwined.
The 2025 Sustainability Report shows that MSC intends to use these issues as a differentiating factor. It remains to be seen whether this claimed lead over the IMO 2030 target will translate into a lasting competitive advantage over its rivals in the coming years.
Sources
https://www.msccruises.com/sustainability
MSC Cruises is accelerating its environmental efforts: IMO 2030 target validated five years ahead of schedule!
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