France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique will soon complete the first LNG-powered cruise vessel it is building for Switzerland-based cruise operator MSC Cruises.
To remind, the shipbuilder in Saint-Nazaire launched the LNG-powered MSC World Europe in December last year, while the giant cruise ship completed its first set of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean in June this year.
According to its AIS data, the vessel is currently undergoing its fourth and probably the last set of sea trials.
Finland’s Gasum said in a statement on Monday that Chantiers de l’Atlantique had chosen the firm to perform the initial bunkering of the first LNG-fueled cruise vessel built in the yard’s premises.
Gasum said it completed the first LNG bunkering operation on September 10 in the French port of La Rochelle using its chartered vessel Kairos.
The Finnish firm did not name the vessel but it probably bunkered MSC World Europe.
Giant LNG-powered cruise vessel to be named in Qatar
The cruise division of MSC Group claims this 323 meters long vessel would become the biggest LNG-powered cruise ship in the world once completed later this year.
MSC Cruises is expected to take delivery of this ship in October.
The flagship spans 22 decks, encompasses 215,863 gross tons, offers more than 420,000 square feet of public space, and includes 2,626 cabins.
MSC Cruises said in a statement issued last week it would hold a naming ceremony, along with Qatar Airways, for the newbuild on November 13 in the Qatari capital of Doha.
The ceremony will also serve to officially inaugurate the city’s new Grand Cruise Terminal.
“MSC World Europa’s naming ceremony will be a glamourous and star-studded event—celebrated with live entertainment, stunning performances, and the traditional maritime bottle-breaking moment against a backdrop of fireworks over Doha’s skyline,” it said.
MSC World Europa will make its maiden voyage on December 20, offering 7-night cruises to Doha; Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island (United Arab Emirates); and Dammam (Saudi Arabia).
After that, the vessel will move to the Mediterranean Sea in March 2023 to offer 7-night cruises visiting the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina; Valletta (Malta); Barcelona (Spain); and Marseille (France).