MSC Cruises Pens MoU with STX France for LNG-Powered Newbuilds

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday June 5, 2017

MSC Cruises has announced that it has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with STX France for the order of two 200,000 GRT liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered mega cruise ships, with the option for two additional vessels - all part of MSC Cruises' new World Class vessels.

"Among other innovations, they will be equipped with a completely new generation of LNG-powered engines as well as a new generation waste water treatment system," explained MSC Cruises of its new vessel class.

The announcement of the new World Class vessels was made as MSC Cruises officially took delivery of MSC Meraviglia, the company's the latest next-generation cruise ship.

"Today, as we unveil MSC Meraviglia, a new vessel that marks the start of the next phase of our growth, we are delighted to confirm another key component of our ten-year investment plan: the World Class," said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman.

The first two newbuilds are set to be delivered in 2022 and 2024, with the two optional vessels slated for 2025 and 2026.

"Once again, MSC Cruises has chosen to put their trust in our capacity to support their growth and expansion as well as in our ability to conceive, develop and build the world’s most modern and technologically-advanced cruise ships," said STX France's CEO Laurent Castaing.

Swiss-based MSC Cruises signed a letter of intent (LOI) with STX France for the construction of the four LNG-powered vessels last year.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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