Arkitech deployed its HVAC optimization platform across twelve MSC Cruises vessels, saving on average one tonne of fuel per vessel per day, without hardware modifications or dry-docking.
The results arrive as cruise operators face a tightening regulatory window. CII thresholds steepen annually, the EU ETS now prices maritime CO2 directly, and large-scale retrofits cannot be delivered at the pace regulation demands. HVAC optimization sits within that context as one of the few measures that can be deployed fleet-wide in months.
Deployment
The rollout began in 2024 with MSC Magnifica and expanded to twelve vessels across three ship classes: Musica, Fantasia, and Seaside. Arkitech’s platform connects to the vessel’s existing HVAC automation through an onboard edge computer, requires no modifications to installed machinery, and is installed while the vessel remains in service.
Across the twelve-vessel deployment, HVAC energy savings average 1,600 MWh per vessel annually, or roughly 1,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided per vessel per year.
“Arkitech has enabled us to reduce chiller energy consumption by an average of up to 12.8% on vessels where it was deployed last year, without affecting passenger comfort or operational reliability,” says Stefano Aiello, Vice President Energy Efficiency at MSC Cruise Management. “For us, the value is twofold: immediate fuel savings and a tool that helps us optimize chiller operations fleet-wide.”
What comes next
“With twelve ships now in operation and more on the way, we have shown that HVAC optimization can function as a standardized tool for fleet-wide efficiency,” says Sander Huijer, CEO of Arkitech. “We are currently developing additional modules and a broader orchestration model. Although we are still in the early stages of validation, we already see potential to reach 2-3% total fuel savings per vessel.”
Reduce HVAC energy use across your fleet while maintaining comfort, with immediate fuel reduction and improved fleet consistency.
Achieve 9–12% HVAC energy savings while maintaining comfort, with immediate fuel reduction and improved fleet consistency.
