The vessels involved were the MSC World Europa, the company’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship launched in 2022, and the Explora II, delivered by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in September 2024. The back-to-back operations represent the first time two MSC vessels have connected to shore power consecutively, with Explora II becoming the first Explora Journeys unit to link to shore electricity in Europe.
Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela said: “The shore-power system at the Grand Harbour is a national investment in cleaner air, quieter communities, and sustainable tourism. It is encouraging to see international cruise operators like MSC actively using the facility and helping us set an example for the Mediterranean region.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, added: “Malta was the first Mediterranean port to make shore power operational, and together we are now proving that sustainable infrastructure can support both environmental goals and the growth of cruise tourism.”
According to MSC, the shore power site in Valletta has played a vital role since becoming operational in 2024, when MSC World Europa was the first ship to use the facility. Since then, MSC Cruises’ vessels have logged about 300 hours connected to the port’s shore power system, effectively eliminating emissions equivalent to nearly half a month of local air pollution that would have been generated while berthed.
MSC Cruises currently operates around 25 vessels and has integrated shore power capability as a standard feature on all new ships since 2017. The company is also retrofitting existing vessels to enable them to connect to shore electricity where available. As of now, 18 of its ships are equipped with the system, with additional installations in progress.
In 2023, MSC Cruises connected to shore power more than 100 times across 13 different ports worldwide. These actions form part of MSC’s wider strategy to minimize the environmental impact of its operations while contributing to cleaner and quieter port communities.
The recent connections in Malta demonstrate MSC’s commitment to advancing sustainable cruise operations and support the country’s efforts to position itself as a leader in green maritime infrastructure. By expanding shore power usage, MSC continues to strengthen its role in promoting environmentally responsible practices in the global cruise industry.
