MSC Group’s cruise division takes another important step towards decarbonisation MSc European World and Discovery II Shore power connection at Valletta Grand Harbor on 15 and 16 October 2025.
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The event was attended by Malta’s Prime Minister Dr. Robert Abela and senior government officials, underscoring the company’s commitment to clean port operations. This back-to-back connection marks a first for the group, with EXPLORA II becoming Explora Journeys’ first vessel in Europe to be connected to shore power.
Dr. Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, commented: “Our work with global partners such as MSC Group demonstrates how Malta can combine economic growth with environmental progress. The shore power system in the Grand Harbor is a national investment in cleaner air, quieter communities and sustainable tourism. It is encouraging to see international cruise operators like MSC actively using the facility and helping us set an example for the Mediterranean region.”
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Since the Valletta shore power facility opens in 2024 MSc European World Becoming the first ship to use the technology – MSC Cruises' ships have been connected to shore power for approximately 300 hours, reducing emissions equivalent to half a month of traditional port operations.
This milestone coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Green Ports Conference and Conference on a Decarbonized Future 2025, reinforcing Malta’s role in advancing the EU’s Fit for 55 plan, which requires all major European ports to provide shore power by 2030.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Sector, added: “These connections demonstrate how technology, investment and partnerships can deliver immediate environmental benefits. Malta is the first Mediterranean port to implement shore power operations and together we are demonstrating that sustainable infrastructure can support environmental goals and the growth of the cruise tourism industry. We are grateful to the Maltese Government for their continued support and are proud to mark this milestone together.”
All MSC cruise ships built since 2017 have been equipped with shore power capabilities, and retrofits across the fleet continue. Today, 18 of the cruise sector's 25 ships can be connected to shore power, with more installations underway.
In 2024, MSC Cruises implemented shore power connections in 13 ports, successfully completing 142 connections, more than three times the previous year.
MSC Group continues to expand shore power connections across its fleet and ports around the world to further reduce emissions at ports.
