MSC Cruises once again breaks through the lull in orders for new cruise ships. Two ships are ordered from Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
The Aponte family cruise company had already placed firm orders for two luxury liners of the so-called World Class in St. Nazaire. The “MSC World Europa” was delivered at the end of 2022, followed by the “MSC World America” in spring 2025 [ds_preview].
This fleet will be expanded by two further ships, for which MSC has now fixed the order with Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The “World Class 3” and “World Class 4” are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. An option for a fifth cruise ship has also been agreed, the French shipyard announced.
MSC wants to improve energy efficiency and carbon footprint
The “MSC World Europa” and the “MSC World America” are already among the most energy-efficient ships in the global cruise fleet, according to the statement. The requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) are clearly exceeded. The newbuilds now on order are set to be even better.
LNG will once again serve as the fuel basis. Alternatively, however, bio and synthetic methane as well as green methanol could also be bunkered. Further innovative solutions are reportedly planned to maximize energy efficiency, including the intensive use of heat recovery. The new “World Class” ships will also have a shore connection. This will further improve theCO2 balance.
MSC has already had 18 ships built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique over the past 20 years, says Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. The new ships now on order will contribute to achieving “net zero” climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
