MSC Cruises has achieved independent verification and flag state recognition of actual methane emissions from two ships, the MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia.

The certification was done in collaboration with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for the purposes of FuelEU Maritime compliance, with MSC noting in a statement that it is the first cruise line to do so.

The MSC World Europa attained an actual methane slip value of 1.67%, while the MSC Euribia achieved 1.48%, both well below the 3.1% default value prescribed in FuelEU Maritime Annex II.

“This certification marks an important step forward in how methane emissions are measured and reported in our industry,” said Michele Francioni, chief energy transition officer, MSC Cruises.

“By replacing default assumptions with independently verified data based on real world ship performance, we are strengthening the accuracy and credibility of emissions reporting under FuelEU Maritime. This approach supports informed regulatory decision making and reinforces the importance of robust measurement as the maritime sector progresses towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions.”

The results provide data on the real-world performance of dual fuel LNG engines, which the cruise line said would contribute to more accurate regulatory reporting and informed decisions.