MSC Cruises has inked a new "clean fuel" deal, which will see Total supply the line with 45,000 tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The fuel will be used to power MSC’s three new LNG-powered ships, the first of which – World Europa – MSC plans to launch next year.
The operation will be based in Marseille, which MSC said would become the line’s Mediterranean hub for its forthcoming LNG-powered ships.
According to MSC, LNG will "sharply" reduce emissions, improving air quality in coastal communities and port cities.
Its LNG ships will feature a 50-kilowatt "solid oxide fuel cell", which the line says will further reduce emissions compared to conventional LNG engines.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC executive chair, said: "This agreement represents a further step in our ongoing journey towards continuously reducing our environmental footprint, for which LNG is currently a crucial component.
"As we prepare to launch our first of three upcoming LNG-powered cruise ships in 2022, through this key agreement Marseille will become our hub in the Mediterranean for the refuelling of our latest-generation and most environmentally advanced ships."