A giant in green shipping for the cruise industry

Sustainable shipping is spurring the cruise industry forward, as IMO regulations and public opinion push cruise owners and operators to find alternative fuel solutions for their vessels. For MSC Cruises, this means powering newbuilds with liquefied natural gas (LNG) and supporting the R&D projects advancing sustainability for the maritime industry.

New green orders and R&D projects underway

MSC has several new cruise ships on order with French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Currently under construction is the MSC Europa, the first of MSC’s cruise ships to run on LNG and the first LNG-powered cruise ship to be built in France. Three further ships, also part of MSC’s LNG-powered World Class series, have been ordered, with delivery dates in 2024, 2025 and 2027.

In parallel, MSC and Chantiers de l’Atlantique recently unveiled PACBOAT, a project that will integrate a new fuel cell technology demonstrator onboard the MSC Europa. The demonstrator will produce electricity and heat from LNG, offering unprecedented electrical efficiency and allowing the heat produced to be consumed onboard, directly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

MSC is also conducting research on cruise ships powered by wind propulsion. The concept, known as Solid Sails, is being developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, who is conducting a feasibility study in partnership with Bureau Veritas. As part of this project, Bureau Veritas is taking the opportunity to update its Rules for sails (NR 206) to meet the needs of a new kind of wind-powered vessel.

Prioritizing safety and expertise

While Chantiers de l’Atlantique is currently partially closed due to the Covid-19 health crisis, the shipyard is planning ahead, determining how best to continue construction. MSC and Chantiers de l’Atlantique are committed to building and operating cruise ships safely and responsibly, and will recommence operations as soon as possible.

In the meantime, MSC is working closely with Bureau Veritas to advance research into green shipping options. Thanks to our longstanding partnership with MSC and experience with LNG-powered vessels, Bureau Veritas will be able to help MSC develop sustainably powered cruise ships in the safest way possible.