Dutch watchdog tells MSC Cruises to cool it on green claims

In Florida, Maritime Executive reports the Dutch Advertising Standards Authority ruled that MSC Cruises must modify its environmental claims regarding the use of liquefied natural gas in its cruise ships. The ruling, prompted by complaints from environmental groups, focused on statements that MSC’s LNG-fueled ships were an “important milestone” in the journey toward decarbonization.

The decision, brought forward by groups including Fossielvrij NL, Advocates for the Future, and Reclamejagers, argued that MSC Cruises’ advertising overstated the environmental benefits of its two LNG-powered vessels, MSC World Europaand MSC Euribia. The groups claimed that much of the LNG used is derived from fracking, which releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

The Dutch authority agreed that MSC’s claims about LNG and its role in achieving net zero emissions by 2050 could be misleading. The ruling specifically barred MSC from making claims about future decarbonization plans that are not concrete. However, the authority rejected broader calls to ban all cruise advertising, as environmental groups argued that cruising is one of the least environmentally friendly vacation options.

MSC Cruises has already made adjustments in response to the ruling and continues its efforts to transition toward more sustainable marine fuels, including plans for synthetic and bio-LNG.

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