Switzerland-based cruise operator MSC Cruises, a part of MSC, is planning to hold a naming ceremony for its second LNG-powered cruise vessel, MSC Euribia, in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 8.
MSC Cruises said in a statement that the LNG-powered ship symbolizes its commitment to protecting the oceans, which is why the cruise line selected the port of Copenhagen for the festivities.
“The port has a rich maritime heritage and Denmark is a country with a deep respect for the sea and commitment to sustainability,” it said.
MSC Euribia will be the cruise line’s second vessel powered by LNG, which is “one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale,” it said.
The 331 meters long ship will have 2419 cabins for 6327 passengers, including about 1711 crew members.
France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique launched this LNG-powered ship in June last year, and it delivered MSC Cruises’ first LNG-powered vessel, MSC World Europa, in October the same year.
MSC Cruises officially named MSC World Europa in the Qatari capital Doha in November.
Inaugural season in Northern Europe
According to MSC Cruises, besides LNG propulsion, MSC Euribia also features other environmental systems including a ‘Baltic Standard’ advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, waste management handling, energy efficiency measures, and shore power connectivity to enable zero emissions from the ship where onshore power is available.
This new ship will feature a mural painted on her exterior that represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to protect and preserve the marine environment, it said, adding that German graphic artist Alex Flaemig designed the artwork.
MSC Cruises said it named the vessel after the ancient goddess Eurybia, who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas.
Starting its inaugural season in Northern Europe on June 10, 2023, MSC Euribia will offer 7-night sailings from Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark to the Norwegian Fjords including Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flaam.