This summer MSC Cruises is using electric buses for its excursions and land services in Barcelona. The move constitutes one more step in the company’s gradual transition to zero net emissions.
From this summer on MSC Cruises is using electric buses to transport passengers to and from the Port of Barcelona. The electric buses are available to cruise passengers arriving on all MSC cruise ships that make a stopover in Barcelona.
Each bus is able to transport 48 passengers. Per day, each of these buses can make 20 to 25 round trips, adding up to an estimated annual saving of 10,315kg of CO into the atmosphere, compared to regular fuel buses. In addition to saving emissions, these buses also reduce noise which is a key type of pollution in urban environments. MSC Cruises is also working with local tour operators to increase its sustainable transport fleet, which will include hybrid buses.
Fernando Pacheco , CEO of MSC Cruises Spain, said: ” We are very proud to announce that we have taken a new step in our mission to make MSC Cruises a sustainable company, not only in its activity at sea, but in every link. Today more than ever, we recognize the vital importance of our environment and a healthy and viable planet, which is why we will continue working on our goal of having a zero impact on our operations by 2050.”
The introduction of electric buses to transport its passengers is one of the initiatives the cruise line is taking to reach its goal of emission-free operations by 2050.
The company is also building a new cruise terminal at the Port of Barcelona. MSC Cruises will operate and manage the 11,670 square meters terminal for a period of 31 years. The terminal is expected to enter service in 2024 and represents an estimated investment of 33 million euros by the company.
In addition, Barcelona will be especially committed to sustainability as it will welcome the company’s future flagship: MSC World Europa. When the new LNG-powered ship enters service it will be the ship with the lowest environmental impact in the cruise industry. Thanks to the efforts of the Port of Barcelona the company’s new flagship will be able to refuel at the port.
MSC World Europa is set to join the MSC Cruises fleet in October. The ship will then set sail for Qatar where she will serve as a floating hotel during the FIFA World Cup. Between December 2022 and March 2023 the ship will offer seven-night voyages from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates, Dammam in Saudi Arabia and Doha in Qatar before returning to Dubai. In March 2023 MSC World Europa will return to the Mediterranean Sea and sail seven-night cruises visiting the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.