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.

os-msc-world-class-cruise-ships-pictures.jpg
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.

MSC-Worldclass-1.jpg
Image: MSC Cruises 

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

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

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.

IMG_2332
The Meraviglia-Plus class are 16m longer than Meraviglia class
IMG_2340
© Andrew McAlpine

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

 

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

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