MSC Cruises advances shorepower capability

At Le Havre Port in Normandy, MSC’s MSC Poesia became the first cruise ship to connect to shorepower on the Atlantic coast.

“This first shorepower connection embodies the vision of a modern, attractive and sustainable port,” said Alexandra Ruiz, managing director of Le Havre Croisières.

Erminio Eschena, director of international affairs for MSC Group France, added, “We applaud the vision and investment of the city of Le Havre and its partners, which position this French port among the European leaders in sustainable infrastructure.”

The installation was made possible through joint investment by Haropa Port, the French state and the Normandy region. Alongside MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa are set to regularly connect to the shorepower facility in 2026.

Meanwhile, in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, MSC achieved a European first for its Explora Journeys brand, with MSC World Europa connecting on 15 October, followed by Explora II the next day, marking the first consecutive back-to-back shorepower connections for the cruise division.

“These connections show how technology, investment and partnership can deliver immediate environmental benefits,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division.

“Malta was the first Mediterranean port to make shorepower operational, and together we are now proving that sustainable infrastructure can support both environmental goals and the growth of cruise tourism.”

Since 2017, MSC Cruises has equipped all new ships with shorepower capability, and in 2024 alone, vessels completed 142 shorepower connections across 13 European ports.

Currently, 18 of MSC’s 25 vessels can connect to shorepower, with further installations ongoing.