Work has started on building the second MSC Cruises ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
MSC Euribia is being touted as the line’s most environmentally advanced ship to-date.
The 22nd vessel in the European line’s fleet is due to enter service in June 2023.
MSC Euribia’s engines will have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels, according to the company.
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The first steel was cut at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.
MSC Cruises is committed to powering at least three new ships with LNG at a cost of more than €3 billion.
The first, MSC World Europa, is currently under construction in Saint Nazaire and set to enter service in October 2022. Construction of the third vessel is set to start in early 2023.
MSC Euribia is named after a Greek goddess who had mastery of the seas.
MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “Just as the ancient goddess harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas, our vision is for MSC Euribia to master the deployment of sustainable technologies to protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystem.
“This ship marks a new milestone in our journey towards net zero impact operations and is testament to our commitment to foster and develop next generation environmental technologies.
“As a family with over 300 years of seafaring heritage, we always seek to protect the environment to safeguard our way of life and protect the planet for future generations.
“With our first LNG-powered vessel already under construction, MSC Euribia will further reduce emissions using the latest available technology. She will be one of the world’s most environmentally high-performing contemporary vessels.”