#Chantiers de l’Atlantique – Cruise Ship Profiles

MSC World Europa reaches key construction milestone

MSC CRUISES AND CHANTIERS DE L’ATLANTIQUE CELEBRATE KEY CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE FOR LNG-PROPELLED MSC WORLD EUROPA

New rendering of MSC World Europa the first World Class Cruise ship for MSC Cruises. — New rendering of MSC World Europa Image: MSC Cruises

MSC World Europa to become one of the most technologically- and environmentally-advanced LNG ships in its class

Geneva, Switzerland and Saint-Nazaire, France, 29 June 2020 – A maritime coin ceremony tradition took place earlier today at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France when the keel was laid for MSC Cruises’ first liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered ship, MSC World Europa.

Keel laying Iof MSC World Europa at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint Nazaire France. — Keel laying Image: Chantiers de l’Atlantique

The 200,000-plus GT ship is scheduled to enter service in 2022 and be one of most technologically- and environmentally-advanced LNG-powered cruise vessels in its class, and the first ever to be built in France.

Zoe Africa Vago, daughter of Alexa Aponte-Vago and her husband Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, and Aurore Bezard from the HR Department of Chantiers de I’Atlantique performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers representing the ship owner and the shipbuilder when they placed two coins under the keel as the historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the project, and the ship’s operational life at sea.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, 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. 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.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “We are proud to start the building of a ship which will set the standards for the cruise of the future. This is a major milestone in the history of our 20-year cooperation with MSC Cruises, which has already resulted in some of the most innovative cruise ships ever built.”

MSC World Europa will feature a new 50-kilowatt demonstrator system that incorporates solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology and use LNG to produce electricity and heat on board, the first time an LNG-powered fuel cell has been used on a cruise ship.

The (SOFC) system has been developed by French research centre CEA as part of MSC Cruises’ and Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s PACBOAT project. France-based contractor Entrepose Group will design and build the demonstrator, which will be approved by classification society Bureau Veritas.

This SOFC solution fuelled by LNG will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by about 30 per cent compared with a conventional LNG engine, with no emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or fine particles. It also offers the advantage of being compatible with LNG, as well as several low carbon fuels such as types of methanol, ammonia and hydrogen.

MSC World Europa will also feature a new generation wastewater treatment system that exceeds some of the world’s most stringent regulatory standards, as well other cutting-edge environmental technology.

Rendering of MSC World Europa the first World Class Cruise ship for MSC Cruises. — Rendering of MSC World Europa Image: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises’ next flagship MSC Virtuosa is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire and readying for delivery next year. The Company also has firm orders with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for two additional LNG-powered ships, once each for the MSC World and Meraviglia classes of ships.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest post.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN REVEALS NAME & HOME PORT OF FIFTH OASIS CLASS SHIP

World’s Largest Cruise Ship to Sail from China

LONDON, UK, Oct 10, 2019 – Today, Royal Caribbean International announced the home port and name of its fifth Oasis Class ship. The next ship to join the leading cruise line’s innovative lineup will be named Wonder of the Seas and will set sail from Shanghai, China.

The details were revealed by Royal Caribbean President and CEO, Michael Bayley, at a global cruise industry conference event held in Shanghai.Debuting in 2021, the world’s largest cruise ship will introduce a new era of cruising as the first of the renowned Oasis Class to sail the Asia Pacific.

“Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and an Oasis Class ship in China is proof of that,” said Bayley. “Wonder of the Seas will redefine the ultimate vacation and be revolutionary in her own right, and she marks one of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting chapters to come.”

“Royal Caribbean has been a market leader in China for more than 10 years by consistently showcasing bold deployment strategies and driving growth of the new to cruise market,” said Dr Zinan Liu, Chairman, Royal Caribbean Asia. “The deployment of Wonder of the Seas is a manifesto of new era for Royal Caribbean.”

What to expect onboard

Wonder of the Seas will be part of the Oasis class of ships which are the largest in the world. The new ship will combine the iconic seven-neighbourhood concept that her sister ships feature along with a bold lineup of thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology.

Construction

Today also marked an important milestone for Wonder of the Seas as the ship began construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. During what is known as the keel-laying ceremony, Wonder’s Keel, a 970-tonne block measuring 155 feet by 65 feet, was lifted onto the building dock with a 1,400-tonne crane. This ceremony marks the beginning of her construction.

1st keel section lifted in to building dock at Saint Nazaire Image: Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas continues the popular Oasis Class ship series, whose last introduction was 2018’s Symphony of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has said Oasis 5 will have the same seven-neighborhood concept, thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, exciting entertainment and the latest technologyMore information on Wonder of the Seas itineraries and brand-new adventures will be announced soon.

No further details of the ship have been revealed but she will be a similar design to her sisters’ ships however comparing the renderings to her earier sister Harmony of the Seas she some significant changes in her design.

Comparison between *Harmony & Wonder of the Seas*

Sports Deck & Aqua Theater Image: Royal Caribbean

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean entered into an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for a sixth Oasis-class ship, to be delivered late in 2023.

The cruise line currently has six cruise ships currently under construction or on order. Odyssey of the Seas will be the next new ship to join the fleet in 2020 and then followed by Wonder of the Seas in 2021. In 2022 the first Icon-Class Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered Royal Caribbean ship will arrive taking the cruise line into a new era of cruising.

Have you sailed on an Oasis class? and are you excited for the fifth Oasis class ship?

As always thank you for taking the time to read my latest post

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International is the world’s largest global cruise line, delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous holidaymakers. The cruise line continues to revolutionise holidays with itineraries to more than 260 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Perfect Day Island Collection including the first private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

UK consumers and travel agents think we’re doing great things… in 2018, Royal Caribbean won over 30 national and international awards including “Best in Cruise ” in the Sun Travel Awards, “Best Cruise Line for Entertainment” and “Best Cruise Line for Suites” in the Cruise Critic UK Editor’s Picks, and “Best Mainstream Cruise Company” in the Globe Travel Awards.

The cruise line sails 26 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand.

First steel to be cut for MSC World Class ships

00.MSC-Worldclass.jpg — Image: MSC Cruises

On 31st October MSC Cruises is set for a joint celebration at the Chantiers de l’Atlantic shipyard in Saint Nazaire.

Firstly, the worlds fastest growing cruise line is set to take delivery of MSC Grandiosa the first of three Meraviglia-Plus class ships.

"Credit - Bernard Biger & Chantiers de l'Atlantique (2).jpg" — MSC Grandiosa seen departing for sea trials Image: MSC Cruises

On the same day the first piece of steel will be cut for the first of MSC’s four World Class ships.

ATrip (4).JPG — The two giant cranes 80m high cranes seen from Saint Nazaire town © Andrew McAlpine

The World Class ships belong to a new class of ship which are the 5th class developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique for MSC Cruises and will bring to 20 the number of ships delivered by the French yard over the last 15 years.

When the first one is delivered in May 2022, it is set to be the worlds largest passenger ship by capacity. Currently the world’s largest cruise ship is Symphony of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean. Launched in 2017 and built at the same shipyard, she has a passenger capacity of 6,680 but is longer and wider than MSC new class. According to figures released so far the first world class ship who’s name is yet to be announced, will have a passenger capacity of 6,850.

The world class ships will feature what the shipyard calls a innovative ‘G’ bow which together with the streamlined hull form is designed to cut through the water.

Streamlined hull form and ‘G’ Bow designed to cut through the water Image: MSC Cruises

Like many of the cruise ships now on order will feature LNG propulsion. According the the shipyard among the main features developed for these innovative ships, the new LNG propulsion and system of waste management are noticeable. The design implemented by Chantiers de l’Atlantique will allow the passengers first to enjoy an outstanding view over the ocean thanks to the aft Y-shaped structure and also to take advantage of an enhanced comfort thanks to the stem designed specially to increase both stability and aero dynamism. The ship’s other guest-centric innovations include family-friendly ‘villages’, a panoramic aft deck, and a glass pool lounge.

Take a look at the video to learn more:

MSC World Class Factfile

Number of Ships; 4

Delivery: 1st ship May 2022 (Hull no. W34), 2023, 2024, 2025

Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint Nazaire, France

Length: 333.3 m

Gross weight: 205,700

Breadth Moulded: 47 m

Height from keel to mast: 68 m

Design Draught: 9.15 m

Max Speed: 22.7 knots

Decks: 23

Flag: Malta

Passenger Capacity: 6,850

Crew: 2,126

No. of cabins: 2,760

MSC-Worldclass-2 (1) — Image: MSC Cruises

I will bring you more news on this innovative new class as details are announced.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post.

MSC GRANDIOSA COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL SEA TRIALS

MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia-Plus class ship MSC Grandiosa has successfully completed her first intensive systems tests at sea during a three-day trial in the Atlantic Ocean between 28-31 August.

MSC Cruises’ latest flagship will next receive her finishing touches at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France before being officially delivered to MSC Cruises on 31 October.

With a gross tonnage of 177,000, the ship has a total guest capacity of 6,334 and will feature some of the latest innovative marine technology and systems to become MSC Cruises’ most efficient and environmentally clean ship in its fleet.

The Meraviglia-Plus class are 16m longer than Meraviglia class

MSC Grandiosa is equipped with two new and important technological innovations including a selective catalytic reduction system to decrease nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 per cent and transform it into pure water and nitrogen. The flagship is also fitted with a state-of-the-art advanced wastewater treatment system that will lead to nearly zero impact on discharges and allow her to operate in delicate environments such as the Baltic Sea and Alaska.

MSC Grandiosa will feature extended 111-meter-long indoor promenade featuring an extended screen of 95 meters by 6 meters supplied by Samsung. The extended promenade area which will house two extra restaurants, giving passengers a wider dining choice.

The new environmental features add to other effective technologies deployed on MSC Grandiosa to further reduce her environmental impact including a cutting-edge exhaust gas cleaning system, systems for the prevention of oil discharge from machinery spaces, a ballast water treatment system and various energy-saving improvements such as heat recovery systems and LED lighting.

The christening ceremony for MSC Grandiosa is due to take place on 9th November in Hamburg and will be hosted by German TV star Michelle Hunziker. The ship will then head to Southampton arriving 12th November for two days of celebrations after which she will then head for an inaugural season in the Western Mediterranean with maiden calls from her Genoa homeport to Civitavecchia, Palermo, Valletta, Barcelona and Marseilles.

"Credit - Bernard Biger & Chantiers de l'Atlantique (3).jpg" — Image: MSC Cruises

MSC Grandiosa Factfile

IMO No.: 9803613

Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint Nazaire

Length: 331 m

Width: 51 m

Draft: 8,75 m

Gross tonnage: 177,000

Passengers: 6,334

Staterooms & suits: 2,444

Decks: 18

Crew: 1,700

Cruising speed: 21.8 knots

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To find out more about MSC Grandiosa visit here http://www.msccruises.co.uk