When MSC World Europa sets sail in six months, the vessel will be the greenest and most efficient in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the largest cruise ship in the world to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). MSC also says the technology on its new flagship will be a “testbed” to accelerate the development of fuel cell technology for the cruise ship industry on its way to a net zero future.
Due late this year, the ship will virtually eliminate local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85%. LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it reduces CO2 emissions by 25% and is paving the way for the uptake of sustainable non-fossil fuels including green hydrogen. A demonstration fuel cell onboard will test the efficiency of this technology to produce heat and electricity about 30% more efficiently than the LNG engines.
In addition, MSC World Europa will feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity; advanced wastewater treatment systems to comply with the so-called Baltic standard, the strictest global standard for wastewater disposal to sea; an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce potential noise and vibration impact on marine mammals; as well as a wide range of energy efficient equipment and systems to optimise engine use.
“We are committed to a net-zero future, which is why we are investing heavily in the development of low-carbon fuels and solutions that will accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime sector,” says Linden Coppell, Director of Sustainability for MSC Cruises. “MSC World Europa will be our most efficient ship yet and help us prove and refine environmental technologies for the future of our fleet.
“With this project, we are also advancing partnerships with technology suppliers, energy companies, academia, and regulatory bodies. We must all deepen our collaboration to unlock a zero-emissions future.”
The Ship
MSC’s new flagship is the first from the cruise line’s trailblazing World Class prototype, spanning 22 decks, 47 metres wide, with 2,626 cabins and boasting more than 40,000 sq. m. feet of public space. The ultramodern “urban metropolis at sea” hints at the future of cruising and will offer “a world of different experiences pushing the boundaries of what is possible at sea (and) setting a new standard for the cruise industry,” says MSC.
Among the ship’s features:
• The Promenade – The 90 m.-long, seven deck-high outdoor World Promenade opens out onto the aft of the ship with breathtaking sea views, al-fresco dining space, and entertainment options include the striking Venom Drop @ The Spiral, the longest dry slide at sea spanning 11 decks and travelling down 73 m. to the promenade. Connected to this in the indoor promenade is the World Galleria, spanning over 300 sq. m. and topped with an awe-inspiring LED and kinetic dome ceiling creating a setting for various lined bars, restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
• F&B – Guests will have a choice of 13 restaurants, including six specialty restaurants with two brand new concepts for MSC Cruises: Chef’s Garden Kitchen – the first hydroponic garden at sea where herbs and produce will be harvested on board; and the Mediterranean fish restaurant La Pescaderia. Among the 20 bars and lounges onboard are seven brand new bar and café concepts including the line’s first onboard microbrewery, a new gin bar, and a cool and edgy cocktail bar.
• Entertainment – Catering to all ages, options include grand-scale theatre productions, immersive performances in the aft lounge, interactive family entertainment in the Luna Park Arena, authentic Bohemian Street theatre around the ship, as well as roller-disco and bumper cars.
Other amenities include:
• A children’s area that will be the largest in the fleet
• 7 swimming pools and 13 whirlpools located across the ship, including a tranquil Zen Pool area dedicated to adults only and featuring two pools, solarium, and a shady lounge area; The Aquapark, with a kids’ pool and slides for all the family; La Plage – the 3,400-sq.-m. main pool deck area with different levels for sunbathing; and Botanic Garden Pool with retractable roof, tropical bar and area for lounging.
• MSC Yacht Club offers more public space, an expanded outdoor area, and new stylish suites all wrapped up in the futuristic design of the ship.
• The ship will offer seven new and innovative cabin types not seen on any other MSC Cruises’ ship, and more suites than ever have private whirlpool baths.
MSC World Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Persian Gulf commencing on Dec. 20, 2022, with a special four-night sailing from Doha in Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean Sea for a series of seven-night cruises calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona, and Marseille.
The ship will the 20th in the MSC fleet, which is the third largest in the world.
New BDM
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises Canada has announced the appointment of Patrick Collins as Business Development Manager for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, based in Toronto. Collins started his career coordinating large tour groups for Ontario’s leading coach and holiday provider, and most recently was part of the business development team for one of Canada’s largest Arctic and expedition cruise companies. He can be reached at patrick.collins@msccruises.ca.