MSC World Europa, the first LNG-powered ship to join the cruise line's fleet and set to become the world's largest LNG cruise ship, has successfully completed its first series of sea trials. These trials included tests of the ship's engines, maneuverability, fuel consumption, safety systems, speed, and braking distances. Meanwhile, MSC Euribia has completed its float-out trials and has been moved to a wet dock to complete the final phase of its construction before joining the MSC Cruises fleet in June 2023.
The two ships are under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France, at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard, where a third ship of the company, "World Class II", is also located, which will begin construction early next year.
“Last year we announced a major commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will play a key role in this journey,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division. “Currently, LNG is the cleanest marine fuel available on a large scale, as it significantly reduces emissions and is compatible with future alternative fuel solutions for which we are actively investing in research and development. If bio- or synthetic LNG were available on a large scale today, our two new ships could operate with net-zero emissions from day one.”
MSC World Europa is the first ship in the pioneering World Class and can accommodate up to 6,762 passengers. Featuring future-proof marine technologies, MSC World Europa will redefine the cruise experience with a variety of never-before-seen concepts and unparalleled recreational areas. The innovative design features a Y-shaped stern leading to the stunning, semi-open, 104-meter-long Europa Promenade, offering incredible panoramic ocean views. The new balcony cabins overlook the breathtaking promenade, which features a striking architectural centerpiece unprecedented at sea: The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, an 11-story stainless steel masterpiece, unique in the cruise industry.
MSC World Europa will make its debut in the United Arab Emirates in winter 2022/23. The ship will offer seven-night cruises between December 2022 and March 2023 from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE; Dammam in Saudi Arabia; and Doha in Qatar, before returning to Dubai. In March 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean and sail seven-night cruises embarking in Barcelona with stops in Marseille, the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, and Messina, and Valletta, Malta.
The MSC Euribia will become one of the most technologically advanced ships in the MSC Cruises fleet to date in terms of environmental technology. This ship will feature a unique artistic design that has transformed the hull of the MSC Euribia into a giant floating canvas to communicate the importance of sustainability and the company's commitment to the sea.
From June 2023, MSC Euribia will spend its inaugural season in Northern Europe from the German port of Kiel, offering seven-night itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords with stops including Copenhagen, Denmark; Hellesylt, Norway, where you can visit the Geirangerfjord; as well as Alesund and Flam, also in Norway, among other destinations.
Both MSC World Europe and MSC Euribia will run on LNG fuel, which also plays a key role in mitigating climate change, as it reduces CO2 emissions by 25% and paves the way for the adoption of sustainable non-fossil fuels, including green hydrogen.
The two ships will feature selective catalytic reduction systems, shore-to-ship electrical connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems to meet the so-called “Baltic standard” – the world’s strictest standard for wastewater disposal at sea – underwater radiated noise management systems to reduce the potential impact of noise and vibration on marine mammals, as well as a wide range of energy-efficient equipment and systems to optimize engine use.
