MSC Cruises, a subsidiary of the world's largest container shipping company MSC Group, has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of its 3rd LNG-powered ship named MSC World America.
The vessel, currently under construction at STX France (Chantiers de l’Atlantique, St Nazaire) has been equipped with LNG tanks, as revealed in a concise update shared by MSC on Tuesday, November 7th.
Scheduled to commence revenue operations in 2025, World America will mark MSC's third LNG-fueled ship and the first of its kind in North America. Notably, this vessel incorporates advanced systems to enhance operational efficiency, advanced wastewater treatment capabilities, and an underwater radiated noise management system. The hull and engine room designs have been optimized to minimize acoustic sound emissions, thereby reducing potential impacts on marine life.
As part of its commitment to cleaner marine fuels, MSC has made significant investments, totaling ~EUR 3 billion, in the construction of three LNG-powered cruisers. The first one, MSC World Europa, was inaugurated in December 2022, while the second, MSC Euribia, joined the fleet in June 2023.
During its historic net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cruise, Euribia achieved a noteworthy overall fuel savings of 43 tonnes of bio-LNG fuel. In its sustainability report for 2022, MSC reported a commendable 33.5% reduction in carbon emissions intensity since 2008.
The company is on track to meet its target of a 40% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030.