MSC Cruises plans to reduce its emissions by 15% through the use of a new itinerary planning optimisation tool.
The new optimisation tool, OptiCruise uses a mathematical model that takes all factors into account when planning an MSC Cruise itinerary, so that each cruise can achieve optimum efficiency while maintaining guest satisfaction.
Opticruise examines the efficiency of an itinerary based on port calls, departure and arrival times at ports, the speed of the ship, the appeal of a destination, shore excursions and operational costs.
An itinerary is then chosen, taking all of this information into account. Cruise itinerary planning usually takes place about two years before a sailing, and so MSC’s operations in 2026 will have this added efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The project was developed as part of the European Union-funded Project CHEK, which aims for zero carbon emission shipping and could be used across the entire cruise industry in the future.
