The cruise business of MSC Group has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its marine activities by 2050.

MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys will be included in the objective.

The group has signed the “call to action” issued by the Getting to Zero Coalition to expedite the decarbonization of the whole maritime sector, including cruising.

In order to meet the 2050 goal, the firm has formed a collaboration with shipbuilder Fincantieri and energy infrastructure provider Snam to identify the requirements for a hybrid hydrogen/liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered cruise ship that might operate with zero emissions in specific locations.

Blue Horizon, a project focusing on the integration of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology aboard LNG-powered cruise ships, was launched by MSC and Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2019.

In addition, GE Power Conversion, Lloyd’s Register, and Ceres Power Holdings have formed a collaboration to investigate ways to overcome the hurdles to fuel cell use in big ship applications.

It’s also collaborating on a research initiative with “industry leaders and academics” to promote low-carbon shipping by combining advanced energy technology and creative ship design.