MSC Cruises connects to shore power in Malta

Luxury cruise ship MSC World Europa connected to shore power last week in the port of Valetta in Malta, Swiss cruise line MSC Cruises said.

PHOTO: MSC World Europa. MSC Cruises

The MSC World Europa will now connect to shore power facilities when calling in Valetta port every week in 2024 and 2025. “MSC Cruises aims to add at least 15 new ports to its shore power plan between 2024 and 2026,” the company said.

Among these ports are Genoa, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples and Trieste in Italy, as well as notable ports like Barcelona, Hamburg, Valencia, Marseille, Copenhagen, and at its new cruise terminal in Miami opening next year, the luxury cruise line added.

Earlier this year, MSC Cruises successfully connected to shore power in the German ports of Warnemünde and Kiel; the Norwegian ports at Bergen, Aalesund, and Haugesund; and Southampton port in the UK.

Shore-to-ship power or “cold ironing” is an electrical power supply provided to ships when they are docked at ports. It allows ships to connect to the local electrical grid to run essential systems.

This reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and particulate matter. It also cuts down on noise pollution in port areas caused by heavy machinery and generators.

“We will ensure our ships are ready to connect wherever the facilities are available to us,” said Michele Francioni, MSC Cruises’ senior vice-president of cost optimisation and process improvement.

By Aparupa Mazumder 

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