Image credit MSC Cruises (L) and Ivan Sarfatti (R)
MSC Cruises, the world's third largest cruise brand, hosted the Naming Ceremony for its newest flagship - MSC World Europa - at the brand-new Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha, Qatar.
MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. On top of ground-breaking advances in reduction of emissions and energy efficiency, the LNG-powered ship paves the way toward the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.
At 22 decks, 215,863 gross tons, 154 feet wide, and featuring more than 430,000 square feet of public space and 2,626 cabins, MSC World Europa is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering a veritable world of experiences while setting a new standard for the cruise industry.
As part of long-standing maritime tradition, Master of the Vessel Captain Marco Massa and distinguished guests from around the world took part in the official Naming Ceremony for the ship.
Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur Hamad Al Amari, event guests were treated to performances by local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship's hull, and a huge drone show. International singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli presented his solo work for the first time ever in Doha.
ABOUT MSC WORLD EUROPA
MSC World Europa is the first in the trailblazing World Class of ships and features 33 restaurants, bars and lounges, each with its own distinct style and ambiance. These include 6 specialty restaurants and 7 brand new bar and cafe concepts, complemented by next-level entertainment options across new high-tech venues, 6 swimming pools in distinct parts of the ship, MSC Cruises' most luxurious MSC Yacht Club yet, MSC Cruises’ largest and most action-packed kids' area yet and more.
MSC World Europa will spend her inaugural season in the Middle East offering 7-night cruises to Dubai; Abu Dhabi; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; and Doha, Qatar.
Her season will commence on December 20 with a special 4-night sailing from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Departing Dubai on 25 March 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2023. She will offer 7-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.
THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises' fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date. The fuel she runs on, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), is one of the world's cleanest marine fuels available at scale and is set to play a key role in the decarbonization of international shipping. It virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulfur oxides and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85%. LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it reduces CO2 emissions by 25% and is paving the way for the uptake of sustainable non-fossil fuels including green hydrogen.
MSC World Europa is also the world's first contemporary cruise ship to feature brand new solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology powered by LNG. The ship will include a 150-kilowatt SOFC demonstrator that will use LNG to produce electricity and heat on board in a highly efficient way by means of an electrochemical reaction. It will be a testbed to accelerate the development of fuel cell technology for contemporary cruise ships and offers a potential to enable hybrid propulsion solutions in the future.
In addition, MSC World Europa will feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems to comply with the so-called Baltic standard, the strictest global standard for wastewater disposal to sea, an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce potential noise and vibration impact on marine mammals, as well as a wide range of energy efficient equipment and systems to optimize engine use.
