London, United Kingdom, 25 September 2018 – MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and leading cruise brand in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf, yesterday kicked off its Global Environmental Officers Conference. Held at its Technical Maritime Centre in London, this four-day recurring appointment brings together the Company’s best talent in the environmental space and aims at fostering even stronger environmental practices.

Hosted in the offices of MSC Cruise Management UK, Environmental Officers from 15 MSC Cruises ships will share best practices, receive the latest updates on international and local regulations, and get fully familiarized with the latest environmental company policies and vision. The training will be provided by senior executives in the Company, its Environmental Department and external experts from RINA.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, who kicked off the Conference said: “Environmental stewardship has been a key focus for us since day one and we feel a great responsibility to conserve and protect the seas and the oceans. They are our most precious resource and together with other industry players, we are committed to protecting them. While our environmental policies are clear and precise, it is also important we have an empowered team of dedicated professionals who make sure our policies are effectively implemented, and help us meet our environmental objectives.”

Emilio La Scala, President and Managing Director MSC Cruise Management UK added: “In light of the ever-evolving environmental framework, we want to make sure our officers are always abreast of our company practices and environmental policies. However, compliance is only a starting point for us and we are committed to always raise the bar along this journey, meeting or exceeding regulations. Our Company's success is dependent on the success of our officers and as our Company is expanding so rapidly, we also focus on attracting more top-notch talent in this space.”

During the Conference, the officers focus amongst other subjects on MARPOL environmental requirements, and national and local requirements in specific geographic areas. In addition, the team further deepens their knowledge on waste water treatment, emissions reduction, ballast water management, anti-fouling, and solid waste management.

The Global Environmental Officers Conference is part of a greater programme to continuously elevate the importance of environmental matters across all company practices. In addition to this Conference, the Company hosts a series of environmental management training sessions for Deck and Engine Officers in its state-of-the-art training centre in Sorrento, Italy.

The Technical Maritime Centre of MSC Cruise Management UK in London supports MSC Cruises on all matters relating to safety, maritime, weather and environment.