MSC orders two more LNG-powered cruise ships in France

MSC’s cruise division confirmed orders for two LNG-powered vessels with France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

This sees the two World Class options confirmed as firm orders with an option for a fifth ship, according to a statement by MSC Cruises.

The two new ordered vessels – currently referred to as World Class 3 and 4 – will be delivered in 2026 and 2027.

MSC Cruises did not reveal the price tag of the order.

The firm previously said that the company’s three LNG-powered vessels are worth more than $3 billion ($3.2 billion).

Chantiers de l’Atlantique delivered MSC Cruises’ first LNG-powered vessel, MSC World Europa, in October last year.

Earlier this year, the shipbuilder also held a coin ceremony for MSC World America and the ship recently received its LNG tanks.

This ship will be delivered in spring 2025.

MSC Euribia, a Meraviglia class ship constructed by the French shipbuilder, is also powered by LNG and entered service in June 2023.

MSC orders two more LNG-powered cruise ships in France
Image: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises said the new ships will be an evolution of the World Class prototype with “innovative” solutions to maximize the energy efficiency, with extensive use of heat recovery and other technological solutions, which will see the vessels having an even further reduced carbon footprint.

In addition, the new ships will be ready for a variety of alternative fuels including bio and synthetic methane and green methanol, it said.

The ships will also be fitted with the next generation dual-fuel internal combustion engines with reduced methane slip, the company said.

MSC Cruises said the the two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.

Most Popular

Cheniere to start site preparation for two more Corpus Christi LNG trains

US LNG exporting giant Cheniere is seeking approval from the US FERC to start site preparation activities for two more midscale trains at its Corpus Christi LNG plant in Texas.

Woodside names Sarah Bairstow as Louisiana LNG head

Australian LNG player Woodside has appointed Sarah Bairstow to lead its Louisiana LNG project.

LNG shipping rates continue to decrease

Spot LNG freight shipping rates in both basins continued to decrease this week, while European prices increased compared to last week.

More News Like This

LNG-powered MSC Germany delivered in China

China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has handed over the LNG dual-fuel containership, MSC Germany, to Switzerland-based MSC.

MSC books LNG-powered duo in China

Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC has ordered two LNG dual-fuel ropax ferries at China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), according to brokers.

Axpo wraps up its first STS LNG bunkering op

Switzerland’s Axpo has completed its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation with its chartered vessel Avenir Aspiration. Axpo bunkered MSC's...

MSC adds another LNG-powered containership to its fleet

China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has handed over the LNG dual-fuel containership, MSC Annamaria, to Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC.