Shell Western LNG is to supply LNG to MSC Cruises’ flagship ‘MSC Euribia’.
The first bunkering operation recently took place in Rotterdam.
’MSC Euribia’ is currently operating seven-night cruises until April, 2024 in northern Europe from Hamburg to Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre and Southampton before returning to the north German port.
MSC Cruises has invested €3 bill in three LNG-powered cruise ships. ‘MSC World Europa was launched in December, 2022, ‘MSC Euribia’ in June, 2023 and ‘MSC World America’ will join the fleet in 2025.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, said, “LNG is an important step forward in our ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“The fuel is one in transition and poised to make way for carbon-neutral bio-LNG and eventually synthetic LNG that will we look forward to using as and when they become available at scale as part of our longer-term de-carbonisation journey.”
Tahir Faruqui, General Manager, Shell Global Downstream LNG, added, “This agreement illustrates how LNG provides shipping companies with a scalable path to net-zero emissions, allowing them to flexibly transition from fuel oil to fossil LNG today, and subsequently to bio-LNG and renewable synthetic LNG as these options become accessible.
“With an extensive LNG bunkering network, we stand prepared to support major players like MSC Cruises on its energy transition,” he said.
