MSC Cruises Faces Scrutiny Over Misleading LNG Ads amid Methane Slip Debate

In August 2024, the industry group SEA-LNG emphasized the importance of distinguishing between fact and opinion in their blog post titled “Fact from Fiction: Methane Slip.” They cautioned against emotive opinions with limited substance being presented as fact. This week, MSC Cruises faced scrutiny over their claims about using LNG as a cleaner fuel. Following a complaint made by NGO Opportunity Green, the UK Advertising Standards Authority addressed the issue concerning MSC Cruises’ global ad campaign promoting the use of fossil LNG in their newest fleet of cruise ships.

Opportunity Green argued that MSC Cruises’ advertisements were misleading in their portrayal of fossil LNG as a green and clean fuel. The NGO highlighted the detrimental climate impacts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas present in fossil LNG. While MSC Cruises has taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as sailing a net-zero GHG voyage with bio-LNG, they have agreed to remove the contentious advertisements and ensure future claims are substantiated.

Despite SEA-LNG’s support for LNG as a marine fuel, there are ongoing debates about its environmental impact. Some studies suggest that upstream methane emissions from LNG production and transport may outweigh its potential benefits as a GHG reduction measure. SEA-LNG maintains that LNG can reduce GHG emissions by up to 23%, including methane emissions, when compared to fuel oil. They also express optimism about eliminating methane slip from engine technologies in the coming decade. Opportunity Green shares concerns about the proliferation of false and inaccurate information surrounding LNG as a marine fuel.

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