MSC Crociere to build four LNG powered ships

April 11, 2016. The Italian-Swiss company MSC Crociere announced the signing of a letter of intent with STX France for the construction of four new vessels over 200.000 tons propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

   The four ships, of which the first will be delivered in 2022, will be based on a new generation prototype and will form the "World Class" boats of MSC Crociere. The announcement was made at the Elysee Palace attended by the President of France, Francois Hollande, the founder of the MSC Group and Executive Chairman, Gianluigi Aponte, and the CEO of STX France, Laurent Castaing.

   MSC Crociere is the first line of the industry that develops an investment plan of this magnitude, spanning over 10 years, from 2014 to 2026, for a total of eleven new generation boats. These orders reflect an additional investment of € 4 billion, which would mean a total of € 9 billion within 10 years.

   The four ships under the LOI -two confirmed orders and two future options- will be delivered in 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026. The vessels will be approximately 200.000 tons and will have more than 2.700 booths and low rooms with a capacity for 5.400 guests.

   STX France orders include two Meraviglia and two other boats Meravilia-Plus class, plus orders to Fincantieri in Italy, for up to three new generation boats of Seaside class.

（Quoted from:www.gnvmagazine.com）