France Lays Keel for First LNG-Powered Cruise Ship

The keel has been laid for the first LNG-powered cruise ship to be built in France, its owner MSC Cruises announced on June 29.

Work on the MSC World Europa vessel is underway at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. It is due to enter service in 2022, with MSC describing the ship as "one of the most technologically and environmentally-advanced LNG-powered cruise vessels in its class, and the first ever to be built in France."

The vessel, which has a 200,000-plus gross tonnage, will be equipped with a 50-kW system that uses LNG to produce electricity and heat on board. This is the first time an LNG-powered fuel cell has been used on a cruise ship, MSC  said.

"MSC World Europa is further proof of our commitment to environmental stewardship as she is set to reduce carbon emissions even further than many other existing cruise ships powered by LNG, which is currently the most environmentally-friendly fuel for commercial maritime operations," MSC Cruises Pierfrancesco Vago said. "With this vessel, we also reconfirm our belief in investing in advanced environmental technology to meet our long-term goal of zero emissions from operations."