Tuesday, August 6, 2024 MSC Cruises plans to cut its fleet emissions by as much as 15% by 2026 through the introduction of its new itinerary optimization tool, OptiCruise . This innovative tool, developed in collaboration with OPTIMeasy—a research firm linked to the University of Genoa—employs an advanced mathematical model to optimize itinerary planning. OptiCruise examines a wide range of factors to enhance sailing efficiency while maintaining or boosting guest satisfaction.
Traditionally, cruise itinerary planning has focused primarily on the appeal of destinations. OptiCruise, however, expands this focus to include critical elements such as the sequence of port visits, timing of arrivals and departures, ship speed, guest experience, shore excursions, and operational costs including fuel, port fees, and provisions. By leveraging these factors, OptiCruise’s algorithms craft itineraries that balance guest appeal with energy efficiency.
Typically, itinerary planning is completed two years in advance. MSC Cruises will see the impact of OptiCruise in 2026, when its fleet will consist of 24 ships. The prototype technology was tested on MSC Bellissima over a 12-month period, covering 17 Mediterranean ports.
This initiative aligns with MSC Cruises’ broader strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, focusing on advancements in ship and engine technology, operational efficiency, and renewable fuels. OptiCruise contributes to the operational efficiency goal by enhancing digitalization and optimizing energy use. Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC Cruises, said: “We have identified and developed this new technology to optimize the decision-making process of itinerary planning with the aim to further reduce emissions across our fleet from 2026.
The OPTIMeasy team calculates that the average fuel savings made, and emissions reduced by using OptiCruise are in the range of 10-15 percent which is a significant step forward in our ambition to achieve our net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050 for our marine operations.” OptiCruise was created through the European Union-funded Project CHEK, which aims to explore and test various low-carbon shipping solutions, including advancements in energy technologies and innovative ship designs. Project CHEK endorsed the development of this mathematical model due to its potential to significantly cut emissions, benefiting not only MSC Cruises but the cruise industry as a whole.
The CHEK Project is a component of the EU’s Horizon research and innovation initiative and is led by the University of Vaasa in Finland. The consortium involved in this project includes MSC Cruises, the World Maritime University, Wärtsilä, Cargill, Lloyds Register, and other key partners..
