The Cruise Division of MSC Group, Fincantieri and Snam signed an agreement to jointly determine the conditions for the design and construction of what would become the world’s first oceangoing hydrogen-powered cruise ship.
Namely, MSC Group will initially carry out a study to assess the feasibility of designing and building the world’s first ocean-going cruise ship powered by hydrogen, which would allow zero-emissions operations in certain areas, and the development of the related hydrogen bunkering infrastructure.
As explained, green hydrogen can be produced without fossil fuels, using renewable energy to split water in a process called electrolysis and can therefore be emissions-free on a full lifecycle basis. It can be used to generate electrical power through a fuel cell, emitting only water vapor and heat. This type of ‘green’ hydrogen holds great potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of the shipping industry, including cruising, whether in its pure form or as a hydrogen-derived fuel.
With this project, we’re taking the lead to bring this promising technology to our fleet and the industry while sending the strongest possible signal to the market about how seriously we take our environmental commitments.
…commented Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group.
Every opportunity for new solutions and technologies is a source of growth for us. This one allows us to offer our customers the best of innovation to help minimize the environmental impact
…added Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri’s CEO.
Furthermore, Marco Alverà, Snam’s CEO said that hydrogen could be a key enabler in achieving the target of net zero emissions in shipping, accounting for approximately 3 percent of global CO2 emissions, as well as in all the hard to abate sectors. Snam is strongly committed to concrete initiatives for sustainable heavy transport – on road, rail and by sea – promoting the use of renewable gases such hydrogen and bioLNG.
As per the terms of agreement, during the next 12 months the three companies will study key factors related to the development of oceangoing hydrogen-powered cruise ships. Also, the implementation of the cooperation above described will possibly be object of future binding agreements to be discussed by the Parties in relation thereto.
