MSC Cruises Orders Two More World-Class Ships In €3.5 Billion Deal

MSC Cruises has placed an order for two additional World Class ships expanding its next-generation fleet with vessels set to be delivered in 2030 and 2031.

The new vessels will be built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and will become the seventh and eighth ships in the World Class series.

The company confirmed that the latest order is valued at €3.5 billion. This brings MSC Cruises’ total investment in the four ships ordered in France this year to nearly €7 billion.

When combined with the vessels already under construction, the company now has €10.5 billion directly committed to shipbuilding projects in France.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at the French shipyard to mark two major construction milestones: the float-out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic. Both of these LNG-powered ships are already being built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division, said during the event that the day marked a proud moment for both MSC Cruises and the shipyard. He noted that the World Class platform shows the company’s aim to set new standards for future cruising.

Vago also said the vessels are among the most energy-efficient in the world and added that the company remains committed to LNG as it prepares for future renewable fuels. He mentioned that MSC values its partnership of more than 20 years with Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Chantiers de l’Atlantique general manager Laurent Castaing expressed gratitude for MSC Cruises’ continued trust. He pointed out that receiving orders for four ships in one year is remarkable.

He added that the eight-ship World Class series highlights the expertise of the shipyard and MSC’s long-term vision to improve both passenger experience and environmental performance.

The World Class series currently includes MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025). MSC World Asia is set to launch in 2026, followed by MSC World Atlantic in 2027. The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ships, yet to be named, will join the fleet by 2031.

References: Travelweekly, cruiseindustrynews

Source: Maritime Shipping News