MICE cruises can boost ESG scores

W ITH South Africa’s new national carbon budget regulations taking hold this year, corporates are under unprecedented pressure to account for their environmental impact, extending right down to their meetings, conferences and incentive trips. To meet these stringent new reporting standards, corporates are actively seeking suppliers that can boost their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores and cruise lines are proving to be just that. Advantage According to cruising experts from the local cruise sector, the sector is emerging as an optimal supplier to solve the headache of accounting for every element of an event through separate suppliers, as they offer an all-in-one footprint that encompasses accommodation, venues, dining and entertainment. “From a MICE perspective, cruising offers a unique advantage in that accommodation, meeting facilities, dining, entertainment and transportation are all integrated into a single venue. This simplifies event logistics and reduces the complexity associated with coordinating multiple suppliers across different locations and, certainly, overall ESG scores for corporates,” explains Thaybz Khan, Head of Commercial at Cruises International. Pioneers Cruise lines are continuously investing in new sustainability projects that moderate the environmental impact of cruising, from onboard initiatives to deploying advanced mechanical technology across their fleets. “Sustainability is a significant focus area across the cruise industry, with cruise lines investing heavily in technologies and initiatives designed to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency,” said Khan. “This was a focus of the cruise industry long before it became a requirement.” Some of the common measures implemented by cruise lines include advanced wastewater treatment systems, shore power connectivity, improved fuel efficiency, waste reduction programmes, responsible sourcing practices and ongoing investment in cleaner technologies, said Gaynor Neill, CEO of Cruise Vacations. “Cruise lines within the Cruise Vacations portfolio continue to invest in a range of sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact,” said Neill. “Silversea, through Royal Caribbean Group’s sustainability programme, reports on emissions reduction, energy efficiency and environmental performance. The Scenic Group works with independent sustainability specialists to measure carbon footprints and support emissions reduction targets across its operations.” Neill added that smaller ships and yacht-style vessels could also contribute to sustainability scores as they offered access to less-congested ports and destinations, supporting more sustainable tourism experiences and offering ethical entertainment options for MICE attendees. The Scenic Group is represented in Cruise Vacation’s portfolio by Emerald Cruises, Emerald Yacht Cruises, Scenic Cruises and Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts. Design Khan highlighted ship design elements that reduce emissions and improve overall ESG reporting. “Royal Caribbean Group, for example, has committed to achieving nett- zero emissions by 2050 through its Destination Net Zero strategy, which focuses on sustainability and community outreach, alongside technological innovation in ship-building,” said Khan. Technology to repurpose wasted heat, occupancy- based air-conditioning control systems, exhaust cleaning systems, the use of LED lighting across the vessel, demand-based ventilation systems in the galleys and optimised power plant management systems are just some design innovations. Energy transition In its 2025 Sustainability Report, MSC revealed significant developments in its sustainability projects, including the introduction to the fleet of a third LNG- powered vessel equipped with dual-fuel engine technology, enhanced collaboration with port authorities and local communities in the ports of call and the development of its marine conservation facility at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. “MSC is advancing its energy transition while investing in people, strengthening relationships with communities and taking a more structured approach to biodiversity,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division. In the same report, the cruise line revealed advances to its greenhouse gas emission mapping, which now covers shipbuilding, dry- dock operations, employee travel, food and beverage procurement and logistics, and waste management. Reporting gap While cruise lines were clearly advancing their sustainability initiatives and technology to reduce impact and emissions, and to track this progress on a fleet-wide scale, there was still a need for them to work closely with their suppliers to extract data that was specific to one event, revealed the experts.