MSC Cruises signs up for two more World Class vessels

MSC Cruises has ordered two more LNG-powered World Class vessels at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The deal, signed at the Hôtel des Minstres in Paris, takes the Geneva-headquartered cruise line’s tally of World Class vessels at the shipyard to six. They are due for delivery in 2029 and 2030, subject to financing, the company said. 

Known for the moment as World Class V and World Class VI, the ships will join the four currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire. They have been named as the MSC World Europa, MSC World America, MSC World Asia, and MSC World Atlantic.

The World Class ships are already claimed to be amongst the most energy-efficient ships in operation today. However, the two latest cruise vessels will incorporate additional sustainable features including next generation dual-fuel engines with reduced methane slip capable of using various alternative fuels including bio- and synthetic LNG. They will also have shore power plug-in connectivity, latest wastewater treatment systems and waste management technologies, and energy optimisation systems for both propulsion and hotel load requirements.

MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, declared: “This marks a new milestone in our remarkable journey of shipbuilding in France. It underscores out commitment to building some of the highest-performing ships in the world, in partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique – our trusted partners for over 20 years.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique general manager, Laurent Castaing, commented: “It is the synergy of our two companies’ expertise that has led to the creation of this high-potential World Class series. World Class V and VI will mark a milestone in the history of the cruise industry, with the best energy efficiency.”