Clean cruise provision

MSC Cruises has obtained final clearance by the Port of Barcelona to build and operate a €33m cruise terminal that is expected to begin operating in 2024.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, said the “new terminal allows us to further demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability as it will feature both shore power facilities as well as LNG bunkering operations”.

More eco ships

As the cruise terminal will feature shore power and LNG bunkering facilities, MSC Cruises will be able to deploy more next-generation, environmentally friendly ships in Barcelona. This includes MSC World Europa, the brand’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, which is currently under construction and due to enter service in 2022.

The 11,670sqm terminal will be operated and managed by MSC Cruises for a 31-year period. MSC Cruises is partnering with Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill and his studio for the terminal construction, due to start shortly.

This project will allow MSC Cruises to consolidate its presence in Barcelona and expand its homeporting operations out of the city.

Barcelona is not just an important port for MSC Cruises, but for the entire MSC Group. Both cargo operator MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and ferry operator GNV have a solid presence in the port.