Construction has begun for MSC Euribia. The 22nd ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet will be the cruise line’s most environmentally advanced vessel yet, marking another step forward in the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The first steel was cut at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France of MSC Cruises’ most environmentally advanced ship to-date. MSC Euribia will become the 22nd vessel in the MSC Cruises’ fleet and the second to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). As every ship that joins MSC Cruises’ fleet, she will be equipped with some of the latest and most advanced technologies and solutions to minimise her environmental impact. MSC Euribia is set to come into service in June 2023.
MSC Euribia, the ancient Greek goddess of mastery of the seas
The start of her construction was marked by a traditional steel cutting ceremony in Saint Nazaire bringing the ship owner and shipyard together. As maritime custom dictates, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago joined Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s General Manager Laurent Castaing to launch the cutting of the first steel for the new ship and, with it, the next step in MSC Cruises’ journey towards zero-impact operations.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman said, “Just as the ancient goddess harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas, our vision is for MSC Euribia to master the deployment of sustainable technologies to protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystem. This ship marks a new milestone in our journey towards net zero impact operations and is testament to our commitment to foster and develop next generation environmental technologies.
With the first LNG-powered vessel already under construction, MSC Euribia will further reduce emissions using the latest available technology. She will be one of the world’s most environmentally high-performing contemporary vessels.”
In terms of emissions with a global impact, LNG plays a key role in climate change mitigation and MSC Euribia’s engines have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels. In addition, with the subsequent availability of Bio and Synthetic forms of LNG, this energy source will provide a pathway toward eventual decarbonized operations.
LNG is also key to the development of fuel cell solutions for shipping as these technologies cannot be operated with traditional fuels. MSC Cruises, Chantiers de l’Atlantique and a consortium of leading energy and technology companies are working on the development of a pilot LNG-powered solid oxide fuel cell technology for cruise ships that could achieve a further significant greenhouse gas emissions reduction due to the higher efficiency of this technology.
MSC Cruises is committed to powering at least three upcoming ships with LNG, representing a total investment exceeding EUR 3 billion. The first of these, MSC World Europa is currently under construction in Saint Nazaire and set to enter service in October 2022. Construction of the third vessel is set to commence in early 2023. For more details on MSC World Europa click here: MSC Cruises introduces the future of cruising.