MSC Ships Connect to Shore Power in Valletta, Advancing Malta’s Green Ports

MSC Group’s Cruise Division has made strides in its decarbonization efforts with two of its vessels, MSC World Europa and Explora II, successfully connecting to shore power at Valletta’s Grand Harbour on October 15 and 16, 2025. These back-to-back connections are notable milestones, with Explora II becoming the first Explora Journeys ship to connect to shore-side electricity in Europe. The occasion was marked during the GreenPort Congress 20th Anniversary and Decarbonizing the Future (DTF) Conference 2025, attended by Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela and senior officials.

Pioneering Environmental Collaboration

Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized Malta’s strategic commitment to combining economic growth with environmental sustainability. “Our collaboration with global partners such as MSC Group shows how Malta can combine economic growth with environmental progress,” he stated. “The shore-power system at the Grand Harbour is a national investment in cleaner air, quieter communities, and sustainable tourism.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, applauded Malta’s leadership in sustainable port operations. “Malta was the first Mediterranean port to make shore power operational, and together we are now proving that sustainable infrastructure can support both environmental goals and the growth of cruise tourism,” Vago said.

Significant Emission Reductions

Shore power connections enable vessels to turn off their engines while docked by plugging into local electricity grids, thus eliminating air and noise pollution generated by fuel-based power. Since first utilizing Valletta’s shore power facility in 2024, MSC World Europa and other MSC vessels have logged approximately 300 hours connected to shore power in the port. This has removed an estimated half a month’s worth of local emissions that would have been produced during berthing.

In 2024 alone, MSC Cruises achieved 142 shore power connections across 13 ports, more than tripling the previous year’s results. These operations reflect the cruise line’s expanding commitment to aligning with broader environmental goals, including the European Union’s Fit for 55 plan to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030.

Expanding Fleet-Wide Readiness

All MSC ships delivered since 2017 are equipped with shore power connectivity, and retrofit projects continue for older vessels. As of now, 18 of MSC Group’s Cruise Division’s 25 ships can connect to shore-side electricity, with additional retrofits underway. This investment builds on MSC’s strategy to integrate sustainable practices and reduce emissions at ports around the globe.

Valletta as a Sustainability Trailblazer

Valletta’s Grand Harbour stands out as the first Mediterranean port with operational shore power capabilities. Its early adoption of this technology sets a precedent in the region, positioning Malta as a leader in sustainable cruise tourism. As a key member of the MedCruise network, Valletta is actively influencing cleaner port practices across the Mediterranean.

The recent shore power connections coincided with the GreenPort Congress and DTF Conference, underlining Valletta’s alignment with high-profile industry forums and its role in advancing decarbonization initiatives. This further underscores the port’s importance in facilitating sustainable tourism and supporting European climate objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are the shore power connections at Valletta significant?

The connections mark MSC Group’s first back-to-back shore power operations in Valletta and include Explora II’s first European plug-in. These milestones highlight both the operational readiness of the port and MSC’s growing commitment to lower-emission technologies.

What environmental benefits does shore power provide?

Shore power enables ships to connect to local electricity grids instead of running onboard engines while docked. This eliminates greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise pollution at ports, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable communities.

How many MSC Group Cruise Division ships are equipped with shore power connectivity?

Currently, 18 of MSC Group’s 25 cruise ships can connect to shore-side electricity, with ongoing retrofitting projects to expand this capability across the fleet.

What role does Malta play in advancing sustainable cruise operations?

Malta’s Grand Harbour is the first Mediterranean port to implement operational shore power capabilities. This infrastructure investment aligns with European Union emissions reduction goals and sets an example for sustainable tourism in the region.

How does shore power adoption align with EU climate objectives?

By enabling ships to shut down engines at berth, shore power contributes to emissions reductions in line with the EU’s Fit for 55 objectives, which aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.