MSC orders two more LNG-powered ships

MSC Cruises has confirmed the order of two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels with French ship builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

This sees the two World Class options confirmed as firm orders with an option for a fifth ship, the cruise line said in a press release Monday (Nov. 13).

The two new ordered vessels – currently referred to as World Class 3 and 4 - will be delivered in 2026 and 2027.

“We are proud to continue our 20-year partnership with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with whom we have already built 18 ships with our 19th under construction,” stated Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.

“The World Class is a truly innovative prototype and together we are building some of the most advanced ships in the world. We are committed to researching and investing in future environmental technologies as they become available, to ensure we continue progressing on our decarbonization journey to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

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The new World Class vessels will feature shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce carbon emissions in port, the most advanced wastewater treatment systems designed in line with the IMO, new advances in waste management, and a range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimize engine use and hotel energy needs to further reduce emissions.

The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.

MSC Cruises’ first LNG ship, MSC World Europa was launched in November 2022 and MSC World America will be delivered in spring 2025, and will be “designed for the North American cruise market. “

The vessel currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire in France last month reached a milestone when LNG tanks were installed. 

MSC Euribia, a Meraviglia class ship constructed by the French shipbuilder, is also powered by LNG and entered service in June 2023.

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