By
Alex Smith |
The cruise division of MSC Group and energy company Gasum have signed a long-term agreement for the supply of LNG to the cruise line’s newest ship, MSC Euribia, as well as a letter of intent (LOI) with the goal of cooperating on the supply of synthetic e-LNG made with renewable energy.
The LOI will see Gasum and MSC Cruises create a roadmap for cutting emissions in MSC’s cruise operations with e-LNG, starting in 2026.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Gasum on our journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions,” said Linden Coppell, vice president of sustainability and environment, sustainability and governance at MSC Cruises. “Securing a reliable supply of LNG and e-LNG is of critical importance to our decarbonisation efforts, and the LOI and long-term agreement that we have announced today are significant steps on that journey.”
LNG fuel eliminates almost all sulphur oxide and particle emissions, greatly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions, and significantly lowers overall greenhouse gas emissions.
E-LNG, meanwhile, is produced synthetically through the ‘power-to-gas’ process. In this process, hydrogen is produced from water using renewable electricity. This hydrogen is then processed into methane by adding carbon dioxide obtained from carbon capture. The resulting gas can then be liquefied, at which point it is fully interchangeable with LNG and liquified biogas. This means that it can be transported through already existing infrastructure.
“This LOI on e-LNG is a landmark agreement for the shipping industry as it demonstrates that e-LNG will be available to the maritime transport sector within a short timeframe,” says Mika Wiljanen, CEO of Gasum. “We are also very happy about the long-term LNG supply agreement which we believe is the start of long-lasting cooperation.”