MSC Cruises to build two new World Class ships

MSC Cruises today signed orders for the construction of two new World Class ships. The order with French shipping company Chantiers de l'Atlantique will bring the total number of World Class ships in the MSC Cruises fleet to six. The two newly ordered ships - currently referred to as World Class 5 and 6 - will be delivered in 2029 and 2030 and are a testament to the company's ongoing commitment to France and the European shipping industry.

World Class

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: "The confirmation of orders for two new World Class ships represents a new milestone in our remarkable shipbuilding journey in France and the continuation of our long-term industry plan. This milestone underscores our commitment to building some of the world's most powerful ships and to creating a legacy of excellence and innovation in collaboration with Chantiers de l'Atlantique - our long-term partners with whom we have worked for more than 20 years. The highly successful World Class platform combines the best environmental technologies with the latest advances in guest experiences."

Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyards, commented: "We thank MSC Cruises for its continued confidence. It is the synergy of our two companies' expertise that has led to the creation of this high potential World Class range, which meets the challenges both in terms of passenger experience and environmental protection. The World Class V and VI ships represent a milestone in the history of the cruise industry with the best energy efficiency."

The new ships will join the already sailing MSC World Europa and MSC World America, which will be joined in 2026 and 2027 by MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic.

87 billion and 3 000 jobs for the French shipping industry

The World Class 5 and World Class 6 ships represent an investment of €3.5 billion (approximately 87 billion crowns), bringing MSC Cruises' total investment in France to a total of €18 billion (approximately 448 billion crowns) over the past 20 years, according to Seatrade Cruise News. This makes MSC Cruises one of the most important foreign private investors in France.

The 2027-2030 construction project is expected to generate more than 20 million work hours, directly support more than 3,000 full-time jobs and engage more than 500 French contractors. Approximately 70% of the subcontracts will be awarded to French companies, with up to 90% of the ship's total content produced in Europe.

"We are proud to celebrate here today an important milestone that demonstrates our decades-long commitment to France, brings real economic impact and embodies the best of European cooperation," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division.

Marc Ferracci, French Minister of Industry and Energy, underlined the importance of this partnership: 'This model of privileged industrial partnership supported by the French State is excellent news thanks to the additional investment of almost 3.5 million euros and the hundreds of jobs created, because it contributes to the renewal of industry in a strategic sector of our country. It epitomises the meeting of two champions who are creating more than wealth (but) excellence, an excellence that must continue to be defended.

World-class design and cutting-edge environmental technology

World Class ships are now the most energy efficient ships in the world, significantly outperforming the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), and the new vessels will continue to meet the high energy efficiency standards set by their sister ships. All World Class ships are prepared to use a variety of alternative fuels including bio and synthetic LNG. In addition, they will be equipped with a new configuration of the latest generation of dual-fuel internal combustion engines that feature new technology to further reduce methane leakage.

The new vessels will be equipped with the ability to connect to the shore network to reduce carbon emissions in port, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment systems designed in accordance with IMO, new advances in waste management and an extensive range of energy efficient on-board equipment that optimises engine usage and hotel energy requirements to further reduce emissions.

As with the other World Class ships, the new ships will feature the elegant European design that is typical of MSC Cruises. This is combined with world-class comfort on these vessels to offer guests a unique experience - thanks to the concept of separate districts with amenities and experiences tailored to the needs of different types of passengers. Every new ship MSC Cruises builds offers something new and distinctive, and World 5 and 6 will be no different.

Zdroje: MSC Cruises, Seatrade Cruise News