MSC Cruises holds naming ceremony for its first LNG-powered giant in Qatar

Switzerland-based cruise operator MSC Cruises held a naming ceremony for its first LNG-powered cruise vessel, MSC World Europa, in the Qatari capital Doha on Sunday.

Together with partner Qatar Airways, MSC Cruises hosted the ceremony at the brand-new Grand Cruise Terminal, the cruise division of MSC Group said in a statement.

MSC World Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Middle East offering 7-night cruises to Dubai; Abu Dhabi; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; and Doha.

MSC Cruises said the vessel’s season would start on December 20 with a special 4-night sailing from Doha to Dubai, UAE.

Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa would head to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2023, it said.

MSC Cruises holds naming ceremony for its first LNG-powered giant in Qatar
Image: MSC Cruises

The giant LNG-powered vessel arrived in Qatar from Saint-Nazaire, France.

To remind, Chantiers de l’Atlantique delivered the first LNG-powered cruise vessel it built for MSC Cruises in October.

MSC Cruises claims this 323 meters long vessel is the world’s biggest LNG-powered cruise ship and one of the first to incorporate solid oxide fuel cell technology.

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.

Besides delivering MSC World Europa, Chantiers de l’Atlantique also held a steel-cutting ceremony for MSC’s second World Class ship in October.

The cruise line revealed the ship will be named MSC World America and be dedicated to the US market when it comes into service in 2025.

Most Popular

Spot LNG shipping rates slightly up this week

Spot charter rates for the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier fleet rose slightly this week compared to the previous week.

Gastrade in talks to receive new LNG cargoes at Alexandroupolis FSRU

Greece's Gastrade is in talks with firms to receive the next spot LNG cargoes at the Alexandroupolis FSRU-based terminal since the shutdown in January this year.

Nigeria LNG seals long-term gas supply deals

LNG producer Nigeria LNG, a joint venture of NNPC, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni, has signed six long-term gas agreements to secure supplies for its Bonny Island plant, including the terminal's expansion.

More News Like This

MSC’s LNG-powered duo named in China

China’s Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard hosted a naming ceremony on Tuesday for two MSC LNG dual-fuel containerships with a capacity of 11,500 teu.

DSIC delivers new LNG-fueled containership to MSC

China’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC) has delivered another LNG dual-fuel containership to Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC.

China’s Hengli wins orders for LNG-powered vessels

China’s Hengli Heavy Industry, a part of Hengli Group, has secured orders for LNG dual-fuel containerships and tankers.

Zhoushan Changhong hands over LNG-powered containership to MSC

China’s Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard has delivered MSC’s second LNG dual-fuel containership with a capacity of 11,500 teu.