MSC Cruises S.A. is a Geneva-based global cruise line, founded in 1988 in Naples, Italy, as part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC Group). It is the world's largest privately owned cruise company and the third-largest overall by passenger capacity, operating a modern fleet of around 25 ships across multiple classes, including LNG-powered World Class vessels.
The company leads in Europe, South America, the Gulf, and Southern Africa, with growing presence in the Caribbean, North America, and Far East. Its ships sail to over 300 destinations in more than 100 countries, emphasizing innovative design, guest comfort, and sustainability initiatives like net-zero GHG voyages using bio-LNG and a commitment to zero emissions by 2050.
In maritime decarbonization efforts, MSC Cruises collaborated with Eni to test Enilive's HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel biofuel on the MSC Opera, running one engine for 2,000 hours. The trial demonstrated comparable performance to conventional fuels, with 16% lower NOx, reduced particulates, and up to 80% lifecycle GHG savings.
