1 6 One of MSC World Europa’s LNG fuel tanks being lifted into the vessel at the shipyard enable guests to directly contribute to protecting the environment. Some highlights include a half-day hiking experience with rescue dogs in Montego Bay, Jamaica; a beach clean-up and snorkelling experience in Croatia; a conservation tour and authentic Arabian dinner in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and a horse trekking and treeplanting experience at Guðmundarlundur forest in Reykjavik, Iceland. “Guests are increasingly worried about the environmental impact of travelling, so they’re prioritising holidays where they can make a positive impact on the planet and local communities,” says Vago. “Our Protectours allow guests to enjoy an immersive travel experience, while also giving them the unique opportunity to learn about conservation issues and play an important role in helping to resolve them.” MSC Cruises is also minimising the carbon footprint of its shore excursions by ensuring that around 70 per cent of its tours include low-impact transportation, such as walking, cycling or kayaking. “We’ve created MSC Bike Adventours in 21 countries, with a total of 150 planned for 2022 as part of regular itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Middle East,” says Vago. “Plus, we’re helping tour operators build fleets of low or zero-emission vehicles for transporting guests to and from the port to tourist attractions. For instance, the port of Barcelona in Spain is now using electric buses to make 20-25 journeys per day, which will save almost 10,500 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually compared to petrol vehicles.” Enhancing all of these efforts is the MSC Foundation, which supports communities in need, either directly or via partnerships with global organisations. In 2021, for example, MSC Foundation led 17 emergency relief initiatives in 14 countries, including response efforts for two volcanic eruptions, one earthquake and one wildfire. It also assisted with Covid19-related projects, delivering protective personal equipment to hospitals and health ministries in 11 African countries and supporting national mitigation efforts in Brazil, Italy, Lebanon, Montenegro and Vietnam. MSC Foundation also provided Mercy Ships with free transportation and logistical support for delivering medical supplies, supported Italian marine conservation association Marevivo’s initiatives to educate school children about biodiversity, and helped Unicef to build 10 more classrooms on the Ivory Coast. It also trained 32 women waste collectors, which resulted in 400 tonnes of plastic being recycled into bricks that were used to build a further 44 classrooms. “We use our global reach, logistical infrastructure and maritime knowledge and experience to help protect the planet and its natural resources, while proving critical assistance, healthcare and high-quality education to people who need it most,” says Vago. “We hope to collectively build a better world for future generations.” Vago is buoyed by the success of the cruise industry’s post-pandemic comeback and all the investments operators and ports are making to secure the sector’s sustainable future. “We’re pioneering new solutions that are taking us closer to decarbonisation, building new ships that will transform the guest experience and we’re giving guests opportunities to explore new destinations while contributing to their long-term prosperity after two years of travel restrictions. Cruising offers unparalleled customer service, unforgettable experiences and great value for money – there’s no doubt it has an exciting future.” CFR KEYNOTE “ MSC World Europa is a statement of our commitment to building a brighter future for our planet and marks a significant milestone on our journey to zero emissions”
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