Osama Rabie, head of the Egyptian Suez Canal Authority, announced that the mega-liner MSC World Europa had crossed through the Suez Canal (Egypt) within the North Convoy during her first voyage leaving from Spain to the UAE-United Arab Emirates.
According to the authority's statement, World Europa was the first and largest LNG-powered cruise ship to cross the unique waterway.
The Malta-flagged MSC World Europa has LOA length 333 m, beam/with 47 m, draft 9,5 m, 20 decks and 2633 passenger staterooms (max capacity 6782 passengers).
Rabie had ordered to take necessary measures in order to ensure the ship’s safe passage via the appointment of a group of senior authority guides, as well as the provision of navigational aids from accompanying tug boats, in addition to follow-up from the main traffic office and stations along the canal.
He affirmed the Suez Canal’s readiness to receive the latest ships of the fleet due to the new Suez Canal project, allowing it to increase the numerical/absorptive capacity of the canal and raising its global navigational classification.
Indicators related to the transit of ships/yachts through the Suez witnessed a remarkable rise in recent times.
The authority is keen to provide facilities to encourage the docking of cruise ships in Egyptian ports.
The MSC Cruises' ship was scheduled to stop at Ain Sukhna for the disembarkation of 167 guests.