Maths is key to MSC Cruises’ emissions reduction target for 2026

Edited by Travel Weekly

MSC Cruises’ fleet of ships will reduce emissions by up to 15 per cent in 2026 by using OptiCruise, a new itinerary planning optimisation tool.

Cruise ship itinerary planning usually takes place two years before a sailing and OptiCruise’s benefits will be in evidence in 2026 when MSC Cruises’ fleet will number 24 ships.

The line developed the new mathematical model with OPTIMeasy, a research company affiliated to the University of Genoa, that comprehensively examined numerous factors that influence the planning of each of MSC Cruises’ itineraries to achieve the optimum level of efficiency for a sailing while maintaining or enhancing guest satisfaction.

Voyage planning within the global cruise industry has traditionally been heavily weighted towards the attractiveness of ship destinations for potential holidaymakers.

OptiCruise broadens the scope substantially to include numerous other aspects which influence an itinerary’s efficiency, including sequencing of the port calls, departure and arrival times at ports, a ship’s speed, the appeal and attractiveness of destinations for a holidaymaker, shore excursions, and operational costs such as fuel, port charges and food provisions.

The tool’s algorithms use all of the information to identify optimised itineraries, which continue to appeal for guests, while allowing for energy efficiency.

“We have identified and developed this new technology to optimise the decision-making process of itinerary planning with the aim to further reduce emissions across our fleet from 2026,” MSC Cruises’ chief energy transition officer, Michele Francioni, said.

“The OPTIMeasy team calculates that the average fuel savings made, and emissions reduced by using OptiCruise are in the range of 10-15 per cent which is a significant step forward in our ambition to achieve our net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050 for our marine operations.”

MSC Bellissima was chosen to evaluate the prototype technology over a 12-month period as the ship sailed between 17 ports in the Mediterranean Sea.

MSC Cruises’ strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 for its marine operations is focused on three key areas – ship and engine technology, operational efficiency and renewable fuels.

OptiCruise comes under the operational efficiency focus with the cruise line making greater use of digitalisation to drive efficiencies in energy consumption.

OptiCruise was developed as part of the European Union’s funded Project CHEK, that was established to investigate and trial several low-carbon shipping opportunities including energy technologies and innovative ship designs.

The mathematical model was accepted for development by Project CHEK as it was recognised as a factor that could substantially reduce emissions, not just for MSC Cruises but across the entire industry.

The CHEK Project is part of the EU’s Horizon research and innovation program and led by the University of Vaasa in Finland. The consortium includes, as well as MSC Cruises, the World Maritime University, Wärtsilä, Cargill and Lloyds Register, among others.

Feature image: MSC Bellissima was chosen to evaluate the prototype technology over a 12-month period.

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