MSC Group has achieved another major step in its sustainability efforts, as MSC World Europa and EXPLORA II connected to shore power in Valletta’s Grand Harbour on October 15 and 16, 2025. The milestone was celebrated in the presence of Malta’s Prime Minister, Dr. Robert Abela—marks a first for the company, with EXPLORA II becoming the first Explora Journeys ship to plug into shore power in Europe.
The back-to-back operations represent a significant advancement in MSC’s global shore power program. Since the inauguration of the Valletta shore power facility in 2024, when MSC World Europa became the first vessel to use it, MSC ships have logged around 600 hours connected to the grid—preventing roughly a month’s worth of local air emissions that would have otherwise been generated while docked.
Both ship connections coincided with the GreenPort 20th Anniversary & Decarbonising the Future Conference 2025, underscoring MSC’s commitment to cleaner port operations and Malta’s role in supporting the EU’s “Fit for 55” climate plan, which aims to equip all major European ports for shore-based power by 2030.
Prime Minister Abela highlighted Malta’s environmental commitment, stating:
“Our collaboration with partners like MSC Group shows that Malta can balance economic growth with environmental progress. The Grand Harbour shore power system is an investment in cleaner air, quieter communities, and sustainable tourism.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, added:
“These successful connections show how innovation and partnership deliver real environmental impact. Malta has led the Mediterranean in shore power adoption, and together we’re proving that sustainability and tourism growth can go hand in hand.”
MSC Cruises has equipped all new ships built since 2017 with shore power capability and continues retrofitting older vessels. Today, 18 of the 25 ships across MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys are ready to connect to onshore grids, with more installations underway.
By 2024, MSC Cruises had completed 152 shore power connections across 13 ports—tripling the number from the previous year—reinforcing the company’s strong commitment to reducing emissions and promoting greener cruise operations worldwide.
