Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has certified actual methane emissions data for two MSC Cruises vessels, enabling the cruise operator to report measured emissions rather than default assumptions under the FuelEU Maritime framework.

The certification covers MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia, with the vessels recording methane slip values of 1.67% and 1.48% respectively — both below the 3.1% default value specified in FuelEU Maritime Annex II.

According to Bureau Veritas, this represents the first instance of a cruise line achieving independent verification and flag state recognition of actual methane emissions for FuelEU Maritime compliance purposes.

The verification process followed IMO Resolution MEPC.402(83) and FuelEU Maritime guidelines, incorporating engine-specific methane emissions files, a methane record book, engine load monitoring procedures, and onboard exhaust gas measurements using multiple devices.

Bureau Veritas reviewed onboard engine methane documentation and validated the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) and FuelEU plans, including the methane slip calculation methodology, before issuing a Statement of Compliance.

Michele Francioni, chief energy transition officer at MSC Cruises, commented: "This certification marks an important step forward in how methane emissions are measured and reported in our industry. By replacing default assumptions with independently verified data based on real-world ship performance, we are strengthening the accuracy and credibility of emissions reporting under FuelEU Maritime."

Paillette Palaiologou, senior vice president of East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India and Africa at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, remarked: "This industry-first verification demonstrates the value of using independently verified operational data to improve the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions reporting."

The verified emissions data provides measured performance information for dual-fuel LNG engines, which can be used for regulatory reporting under both FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.

MSC Cruises stated that it continues to evaluate performance data across fuels and technologies as part of its energy transition strategy, with ongoing investment in advanced technologies, operational improvements and renewable fuels.