MSC Cruises is claiming that some of the environmentally-friendly design elements of its latest ship MSC Poesia represent a world first.
The cruise ship, which launches on April 5 in Dover, has had a special coating applied to its hull to improve fuel efficiency and performance and reduce CO2
emissions.
The cruiseline says use of the product – which is called Intersleek 900 and is free of biocides – is a first for a newly–built cruise ship.
The ship also has fuel tanks for the treatment and retention of oil and fuel wastage and carburetors that ensure emissions are purified to reduce pollution. On board, cruise cards double as on/off switches for electricity and air conditioning in cabins.
All onboard waste is treated, including aluminium cans which are recycled into sheet aluminium at port, and all cleaning products used on board are naturally produced and supplied by companies with an environmentally friendly certificate. Water containing soap is purified before being discharged into the sea.
MSC chief executive Pierfranscesco Vago said the cruiseline aims to have “the most modern and environmentally friendly fleet by 2010”.
UK managing director Claudia Baino added: “All cruiselines are giving the environment special attention and not waiting for problems to arise, but it’s not yet coming from the clients.”
She said moves to become more environmentally friendly were not motivated by extra sales. “It’s because we care about the environment, although in the long run people might choose the ships because of it.”
A special ‘eco’ logo has been designed, which will be used in promotion materials for the ship. MSC Poesia will be joined by MSC Fantasia later in the year, which is also being billed as an ‘eco-ship’.
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