MSC Cruises has confirmed its order for two new LNG-powered ships, referred to as World Class 3 and 4, from Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyards.
These ships are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, with an option for a fifth ship.
The World Class ships will be designed to accommodate alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic methane and green methanol, enabling environmental sustainability.
The ships will feature shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce carbon emissions while in port and other energy-efficient equipment onboard to further decrease emissions.
The executive chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago, said partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, emphasised their commitment to building advanced and environmentally friendly ships.
MSC Cruises aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and is dedicated to investing in future environmental technologies.
Laurent Castaing, the general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said these new ships will emit 50pc less CO2 than the IMO’s 2008 benchmark, demonstrating a significant improvement in energy efficiency.
