MSC Cruises has achieved a significant environmental milestone by becoming the first major cruise line to be honored with the prestigious Green Marine Europe Certification. This voluntary certification program, designed to promote and recognize eco-friendly practices within the maritime industry, signifies a commitment to sustainability.

Green Marine Europe is a partnership formed between the North American environmental certification program, Green Marine, and the Surfrider Foundation, a leading European Union non-governmental organization dedicated to ocean and maritime protection. This collaboration aims to set high standards for environmental responsibility and accountability within the maritime sector.

The performance indicators of various aspects of environmental stewardship, including the prevention of aquatic invasive species, minimizing pollutant air emissions (specifically focusing on sulfur dioxide and particulate matter), reducing nitrogen dioxide pollutant air emissions, controlling greenhouse gas emissions, responsible oil discharge practices, effective waste management, mitigation of underwater radiated noise, and ensuring responsible ship recycling.

At a ceremony held in Bilbao, Spain, Captain Minas Myrtidis, MSC Cruises’ Vice President of Environmental Operations and Compliance, accepted the award on behalf of the cruise line. Captain Myrtidis expressed immense pride in achieving the highest possible rating across all the criteria, recognizing the collective efforts of everyone involved in MSC Cruises, both onboard and onshore.

MSC Cruises has already made substantial progress in reducing its emissions intensity, achieving a 33.5% reduction since 2008. The company remains confident in its ability to further reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.