MSC Cruises has become the first cruise line to achieve independent verification and Flag State recognition of actual methane emissions for FuelEU Maritime compliance. Working with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, the company certified *MSC World Europa* and *MSC Euribia*, recording methane slip values of 1.67% and 1.48% respectively — well below the regulatory default of 3.1%. Chief Energy Transition Officer Michele Francioni said the certification strengthens emissions reporting accuracy, supporting the maritime sector’s progression toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In-Depth:
MSC Cruises has become the first cruise line to achieve indepconcludeent verification and Flag State recognition of actual methane emissions from its ships for the purposes of FuelEU Maritime compliance, following the successful certification of MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia in collaboration with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.
This milestone enables MSC Cruises to report actual, indepconcludeently verified methane emissions under the FuelEU Maritime framework, replacing default emissions assumptions with measured vessel performance. MSC World Europa attained an actual methane slip value of 1.67%, while MSC Euribia achieved 1.48%, both substantially below the 3.1% default value prescribed in FuelEU Maritime Annex II.
These results provide indepconcludeently verified data on the real‑world performance of dual‑fuel LNG engines, contributing to more accurate regulatory reporting and informed decision‑creating during the maritime sector’s transition towards net‑zero greenhoutilize gas emissions.
Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer of MSC Cruises, declared: “This certification marks an important step forward in how methane emissions are measured and reported in our industest. By replacing default assumptions with indepconcludeently verified data based on real‑world ship performance, we are strengthening the accuracy and credibility of emissions reporting under FuelEU Maritime. This approach supports informed regulatory decision‑creating and reinforces the importance of robust measurement as the maritime sector progresses towards net‑zero greenhoutilize gas emissions.”
The verification followed a comprehensive measurement campaign conducted in line with IMO Resolution MEPC.402(83) and the FuelEU Maritime Guidelines. This included engine‑specific methane emissions files, a dedicated methane record book, defined engine load monitoring procedures, and onboard exhaust gas measurements utilizing multiple measurement devices to ensure accuracy and robustness.
Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President of East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India and Africa (EMA), Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, declared: “This industest-first verification demonstrates the value of utilizing indepconcludeently verified operational data to improve the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions reporting. Replacing default assumptions with the verification of actual emissions data enables more effective compliance strategies, assists optimize performance and supports greater confidence in vessel efficiency as the industest advances towards net-zero greenhoutilize gas emissions.”
Following indepconcludeent verification, Bureau Veritas reviewed onboard engine methane documentation and validated the MRV and FuelEU plans, including the methane-slip calculation methodology. A Statement of Compliance was subsequently issued, formally recognizing the verified results and supporting alignment with EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime requirements.
This industest first establishes a clear and replicable regulatory pathway for cruise operators to relocate from theoretical emissions estimates to verified emissions reporting based on actual vessel performance, reinforcing transparency through indepconcludeent verification and regulatory oversight.
MSC Cruises stressed that it recognises that no single technology represents a complete decarbonisation solution and continues to evaluate performance data across fuels and technologies as part of its long‑term energy transition strategy.
The company continues to invest in advanced technologies, operational improvements and renewable fuels, supporting the maritime sector’s ambition to achieve net‑zero greenhoutilize gas emissions by 2050.
