MSC, Fincantieri and Snam agreement to study the construction of the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship

The agreement initially provides for the carrying out of a study of feasibility on the design and construction of the first the world's largest hydrogen-powered cruise ship, which would allow zero-emission operations in some areas, as well as on the development of the related bunkering infrastructure of hydrogen.

Over the next 12 months, the three companies will study the key factors relating to the development of large cruise ships powered by hydrogen. These include the organization of the spaces on board for to host new H2 technologies and fuel cells, the definition of the technical parameters of the on-board systems, the calculation of potential savings on greenhouse gas emissions and an analysis technical and economic supply of hydrogen and its Infrastructure. MSC, Fincantieri and Snam have specified that the implementation of the activities covered by the Memorandum of understanding will eventually be the subject of future agreements binding to be defined between the Parties.

«As a company that has long placed sustainability at the center environmental - explained Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises - we want to be at the forefront of the revolution energy for our sector and hydrogen can contribute in this field. However, today the levels of production remain low and hydrogen fuel is still far away from being available on a large scale. With this project we want to introduce this promising technology into our fleet and into the sector, while sending the strongest signal to the market possible on how seriously we take our commitments to the environment. As we move forward with the development of technology necessary - continued Vago - I am sure that even the suppliers energy will accelerate production, and governments and the industry public will intervene with the necessary support for a project which is critical to the decarbonisation of cruises and of navigation. Given the long-term commitment of our group in Italy, we are particularly pleased to join forces with two Italian companies leader on this key project for us and for the whole sector".

The CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono, has stressed that "every opportunity to develop new solutions and technologies is a source of growth for us. This - added - allows us to offer our customers the best innovation to help minimise impact environmental'.

Recalling that "maritime transport today represents about 3% of co2 emissions globally." the CEO of Snam, Marco Alverà, took over whereas 'the use of hydrogen can contribute to the achievement of the net zero emissions target in this sector as well as in all those hard-to-abbot. Snam is strongly committed to promoting sustainable mobility on road, rail and sea through concrete actions which promote the use of renewable gases such as hydrogen and hydrogen. Bio-LNG. This agreement - specified Alverà - is part of a broader strategy to leverage on Snam's experience, skills and technologies in gas renewable and energy efficiency, with the aim of contribute to the full decarbonisation of the supply chain shipping, including ports and logistics, which will increasingly be important in our economies.