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MSC’s green initiative Shore Power Supply
Older container vessels were designed to operate at Since 2005, MSC has heavily invested in Shore Power
higher speeds than those they generally operate at Supply (SPS) systems, which is sometimes also called
today. They are now typically operated at lower speeds, Alternative Means of Power Supply (AMP). A vessel
making the existing hull and propeller design less with an SPS installed, while at berth, is capable to
efficient. Consequently, MSC launched its green initiative shut down its own auxiliary generators, which run on
nearly five years ago to reduce the fuel consumption marine fuel oil and switch to the electrical shore grid.
of its fleet. The associated retrofitting programme was This means that, in port, the vessel reduces its GHG by
aimed at equipping and modernising older vessels more than 80%. In addition, it helps to improve the air
to achieve significant fuel reductions. It consists quality around the port by reducing other emissions.
of replacing the bow of the ship while the vessel As of today, 136 vessels of the MSC’s fleet, which
is in dry dock. The new bulb design reduces fuel constitute almost 30% of the total number of managed
consumption and therefore reduces CO and other air vessels, constitute the biggest SPS-equipped fleet
2
emissions. To date, over 200 vessels have been retro- in world. The use of these systems relies on the
fitted with an optimised bulbous bow. The vessels are capability of the terminal to offer electricity. MSC is
also retrofitted with more efficient propellers having deeply engaged in the implementation of the SPS
reduced weight, propeller boss caps with fins, which at the terminal and leads the way for wider SPS’s
reduces the losses through hub vortex and rudder availability around the world. MSC is currently
bulb along with new rudder designs that reduce drag. cooperating with the major Northern European ports
MSC’s own ship management centres in Cyprus and to offer assistance for implementing the technology.
Italy are also implementing retrofit installations on the
main propulsion engines to make them more efficient.
MSC has reduced its CO emissions by over 1.5 million
2
tons per year on its retrofitted vessels, since initiating
this programme. MSC plans to retrofit over 256 vessels
with an estimated reduction in CO emissions of more
2
than 2 million tons per year. MSC has also worked
with leading engine makers to develop controllable
pitch propeller modifications with attached boss fin
caps that have resulted in approximatively 12 to 15%
fuel savings on fast feeder vessels. This technology,
the first of its kind, was subsequently installed on six
vessels.

46 MSC’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT MSC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 47