MSC Announces Order Of Brand-New “World Class” Cruise Ships Powered By LNG

The Geneva-based MSC Cruises has formally announced that it has placed an order with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique for two brand-new “World Class” cruise ships powered by LNG.

With a fifth ship option, the company’s ‘World’ class series will consist of four ships, while the present World Class 3 and 4 will arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The announcement follows the delivery of MSC World Europa, the first ship in the series, which went into service in December last year.

On April 12, 2025, the second ship, MSC World America, is scheduled to set sail for its first voyage by highlighting the energy efficiency of its vessels, which reportedly exceeds the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements.

The Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago, pointed out their joint efforts in building some of the most cutting-edge ships in the world while expressing pride in their ongoing partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Vago restated MSC’s resolve to investigate and finance advanced environmental technologies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Green methanol and other alternative fuels like synthetic and bio LNG will be compatible with the two recently ordered vessels because of their advanced environmental technology, which includes large heat recovery systems.

The ships will also be outfitted with cutting-edge dual-fuel internal combustion engines with a lower methane slip.

MSC Cruises acknowledged that increasing the energy efficiency of the new ships came at a significant cost premium, notwithstanding the green initiatives.

The Chantiers de l’Atlantique general manager, Laurent Castaing, expressed gratitude to MSC Cruises for having faith in the shipbuilder amidst difficult circumstances facing the European shipbuilding sector.

Castaing also appreciated the government funding the company’s R&D initiatives to build more environmentally friendly ships.

MSC Cruises reflects their continued dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility while expressing optimism about the future of the cruise industry.

References- MarineLog, BunkerSpot

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Source: Maritime Shipping News