MSC Group's Cruise Division and Chantiers de l'Atlantique today celebrated two important milestones in the construction of the company's next generation of environmentally advanced ships. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will become the first LNG-powered vessels to join the MSC Cruises fleet next year. Construction of MSC World Europa II will begin in early 2023.
These ships play a significant role in the company's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In terms of emissions with global impact, LNG plays a key role in mitigating climate change, and the engines of these two ships have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels. Furthermore, with the future availability of bio- and synthetic forms of LNG, this energy source will pave the way toward decarbonized operations.
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “Today marks another important milestone in our journey to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in our maritime operations. There is still much to be done, but I am pleased that, despite everything we have faced due to the pandemic over the past two years, we have been able to work with our partners at Chantiers de L'Atlantique to launch these new LNG-powered ships – the first ever built in France – which will also introduce potential new fuel cell technologies to make them even more efficient. Now we need to take even bigger steps, for which we will need the continued support of our suppliers, partners, and governments. We must all work together to make our future more sustainable.”
Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, added: “Today is a very special moment. Not only are these ships the fifteenth and sixteenth we have built for MSC Cruises, respectively, among the largest and best in the global cruise market, but above all, they represent a giant leap towards the future of cruise ships. Upon delivery, they will have the lowest carbon footprint on the market, in terms of emissions per passenger per day.”
It was also revealed today that MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique have confirmed the installation of a pilot fuel cell plant on board MSC World Europa, known as Blue Horizon. The technology will use LNG to convert fuel into electricity with one of the highest efficiencies of any energy solution currently available, producing both electricity and heat on board. It also offers the advantage of being compatible with LNG, as well as various low-carbon fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. This project will form the basis for future, larger installations and the beginning of an even closer collaboration between MSC Cruises and CdA in fuel cell technology R&D.
The traditional coin ceremony took place when the keel was laid for MSC Cruises' second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, which will be one of the most environmentally friendly contemporary ships built in France. Anne Claire Juventin, Head of Quality Control at Chantiers de l'Atlantique, and Valentina Mancini, Brand Manager for MSC Cruises, performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers on behalf of the owner and the shipyard, placing two coins beneath the keel as a historical symbol of blessing and good fortune for the project and the ship's operational life at sea.
The float-out test of MSC World Europa, which will be the first LNG-powered ship to join the MSC Cruises fleet, took place at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, where it will now be moved to a dock to continue work until its delivery in November 2022.
MSC World Europa. MSC World Europa is the first of the pioneering MSC World Class, featuring future-proof marine technologies, and will redefine the cruise experience with a variety of never-before-seen concepts and unprecedented creative areas at sea.
The passenger experience will be elevated to a whole new level with diverse activities organized into different districts, each offering a distinct atmosphere and ambiance. These range from a tranquil Zen-like district and the lively waterfront promenade with its entertainment, shops, and bars, to a separate family-friendly area featuring ten new children's facilities. With 21 bars and lounges and 13 dining venues, the onboard dining experience will offer a wealth of innovations. These include the new Chef's Garden Kitchen , which will focus on flavorful microgreens , and La Pescadería, a traditional seafood grill with al fresco seating. Fan-favorite restaurants such as Butcher's Cut, Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar , and Hola! Tacos & Cantinawill also be featured on this new ship.
MSC World Europe will welcome its first passengers from December 2022 and will spend its inaugural season in the Gulf region offering the ultimate winter cruise experience. Passengers can enjoy 7-night cruises from Dubai to nearby modern Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al Ahsa Oasis, and Doha, Qatar's futuristic capital, before returning to Dubai with an overnight stay to discover all the wonders the city has to offer.
Departing from Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean. In summer 2023, it will offer 7-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona, and Marseille, France.
MSC World Euribia. MSC Euribia will become one of the most environmentally advanced ships in the MSC Cruises fleet to date and will be named after the ancient goddess Eurybia, who harnessed the winds, weather, and constellations to rule the seas. To demonstrate the company's commitment to building environmentally advanced ships and highlight the importance of respecting the environment, MSC Cruises launched a global design competition for artists from around the world to create a unique work of art inspired by the sea and its vital marine ecosystem. The winning design will transform MSC Euribia's hull into a giant, permanent floating canvas that will communicate the importance of protecting the oceans as it sails the world.
