MSC Cruises marks back-to-back shore power connections in Malta

The cruise division of the Switzerland-based shipping heavyweight Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has marked another decarbonization target as complete, having connected two of its vessels to shore power in Valetta, Malta.

According to the company’s officials, the MSC World Europa—the maritime transport player’s first unit powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), launched in 2022—and the Explora II—delivered by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in September 2024—connected to shore power at Valetta’s Grand Harbour on October 15 and October 16.

“The shore-power system at the Grand Harbour 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,” Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, shared.

“Malta was the first Mediterranean port to make shore power operational, and together we are now proving that sustainable infrastructure can support both environmental goals and the growth of cruise tourism,”Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, further remarked.

The back-to-back connections reportedly represent a ‘first-ever’ for the