Recognition of Actual Methane Emissions for MSC Cruises

Germany

MSC Cruises is the first cruise line to achieve independent verification and recognition of its ships’ actual methane emissions by the flag state for compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation.

The EU regulation governs the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used by ships operating in EU/EEA traffic.

The successful certification of MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia was carried out in collaboration with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.

This important step enables MSC Cruises to report actual, independently verified methane emissions under FuelEU Maritime, replacing standard emission assumptions with measured ship performance. MSC World Europa achieved an actual methane slip value of 1.67 percent, while MSC Euribia recorded 1.48 percent—both significantly below the 3.1 percent standard value specified in Annex II of FuelEU Maritime.

These results provide independently verified data on the real-world performance of dual-fuel LNG engines and contribute to more accurate reporting to regulatory authorities, as well as more informed decision-making during the shipping industry’s transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

“This certification marks an important step in how methane emissions are measured and reported in our industry. By replacing standard assumptions with independently verified data based on actual ship performance, we enhance the accuracy and credibility of emissions reporting under FuelEU Maritime. This approach supports informed regulatory decisions and underscores the importance of robust measurement as the industry moves toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions,” said Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer at MSC Cruises.

The verification followed an extensive measurement campaign in accordance with IMO Resolution MEPC.402(83) and the FuelEU Maritime guidelines. This included engine-specific methane emission data, a dedicated methane logbook, defined procedures for monitoring engine load, and onboard exhaust gas measurements using multiple instruments to ensure accuracy and robustness.

Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India and Africa (EMA) at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, commented: “This first-of-its-kind industry verification demonstrates the value of using independently verified operational data to improve the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions reporting. Replacing standard assumptions with verified actual emissions data enables more effective compliance strategies, supports performance optimization, and strengthens confidence in vessel efficiency as the industry moves toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.”

Following independent verification, Bureau Veritas reviewed onboard documentation on engine methane emissions and validated the MRV and FuelEU plans, including the calculation methodology for methane slip. A declaration of conformity was subsequently issued, formally recognizing the verified results and confirming compliance with the requirements of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime.

This industry first establishes a clear and reproducible regulatory pathway for cruise operators to transition from theoretical emissions estimates to verified emissions reporting based on actual vessel performance, thereby enhancing transparency through independent verification and regulatory oversight.

MSC Cruises recognizes that no single technology represents a complete solution for decarbonization and continues to assess performance data across different 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, thereby supporting the maritime sector’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.