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A carbon-neutral cruise ship could be realised in the not-too-distant future, with MSC Group announcing a feasibility study for a hydrogen-powered vessel
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Jul 2021
MSC has made a pledge to make its cruise division carbon-neutral by 2050 Credit: MSC Group
A cruise ship powered free of fossil fuels could soon become a reality, after operator MSC Group revealed plans to conduct a feasibility study for the world’s first ocean-going hydrogen-powered vessel.
Opponents of cruising have long raised the issue of the heavy carbon footprint created by the industry.
Green hydrogen can be created without fossil fuel, using renewable energy to split water through electrolysis.
This would make such a vessel completely emission free and should it come to fruition, it could potentially be a landmark moment for the entire cruise market.
MSC is working with shipbuilder Fincantieri and energy infrastructure company Snam on the feasibility study, which over the coming 12 months will explore the “key factors” related to the development of such a vessel, including creating space to accommodate hydrogen technologies and fuel cells.
“This type of ‘green’ hydrogen holds great potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of the shipping industry, including cruising, whether in its pure form or as a hydrogen-derived fuel,” said an MSC statement.
MSC’s cruise division has committed to achieving net carbon neutral operations by 2050.
“With this project, we’re taking the lead to bring this promising technology to our fleet and the industry while sending the strongest possible signal to the market about how seriously we take our environmental commitments,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group.
“As we advance with the development of the maritime technology required, we will also see that energy providers take note and ramp up production to unlock this, and that governments and the public sector step in to provide the necessary support for a project that is critical to the decarbonisation of cruising and shipping.”
Cruise
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