MSC Cruises confirms order for two eco-friendly ships

MSC Cruises strengthens its fleet with two new LNG-powered liners, symbolizing a major ecological turning point in the maritime industry.

Share:

MSC Croisières Deux Navires Éco-responsables

The cruise industry, long criticized for its environmental impact, is taking a significant step towards a greener future. Shipowner MSC Crociere has confirmed the purchase of two innovative liners powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a less polluting fuel. These ships, provisionally named World Class 3 and 4, are scheduled to enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

A massive investment for sustainable development

This purchase is part of a wider agreement that includes an option for a fifth vessel of the same type. The total investment amounts to 4 billion euros, underlining the company’s substantial commitment to sustainable development. The first ship in this series, the MSC World Europa, already marked a significant step forward when it was delivered in 2022.

Towards greener, more economical ships

According to the shipowner, the new liners will be among the most environmentally friendly in the cruise industry. They will incorporate advanced technologies to maximize energy efficiency, including innovative heat recovery systems. These improvements are designed to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A lasting partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique

The 20-year relationship between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique is strengthened by this order. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Crociere, expressed his pride in this fruitful collaboration, which has already produced 18 ships, with the 19th currently under construction.
Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, welcomed the order as a breath of fresh air in a difficult context for European shipbuilding. He also pointed out that MSC Crociere had accepted a significant extra cost to improve the energy efficiency of the ships, demonstrating their commitment to more sustainable solutions.

MSC Cruises’ order for two LNG-powered liners marks a major ecological turning point in the cruise industry. The investment reflects both a financial and environmental commitment, incorporating innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Italian group Eni signs a twenty-year liquefied natural gas supply contract with US-based Venture Global, covering two mn tonnes per year and marking a first for the company from the United States.
The Voskhod vessel, under US sanctions, docked at the Arctic LNG 2 plant in Russia, marking the second visit by a sanctioned ship to the site this year, according to maritime tracking data.
Japan has urgently secured several additional cargoes of liquefied natural gas from the United States to avert an imminent electricity supply shortage caused by rapidly declining national reserves expected at the end of July.
The European Commission has unveiled a proposal to prohibit the import of Russian gas into the Union, sparking intense debate on its feasibility, contractual impact and consequences for supply security among several Member States.
CNOOC Limited announces the discovery of a significant oil and gas reservoir in the buried hills of the Beibu Gulf, opening new opportunities for shallow water exploration off the coast of China.
TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG gas project is at the centre of a legal challenge in Washington, following the approval of a $4.7 bn loan by the US Exim Bank, amid security concerns and opposition from civil society groups.
Investors are closely watching U.S. midstream companies’ announcements regarding new gas pipeline expansions targeting promising markets in the West and Northeast, beyond traditional regions in Texas and the Southeast.
PPL Corporation and Blackstone Infrastructure announce a strategic partnership to develop new gas-fired power plants to supply electricity to data centers through long-term contracts in Pennsylvania.
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd announces a new record initial flow test result at the Shenandoah S2-2H ST1 well and the start of its 2025 drilling campaign in the Beetaloo Basin.
The Azule Energy consortium has identified a significant gas and condensate field during Angola’s first exploration drilling dedicated to gas, marking a milestone for the country's energy sector.
Technip Energies has secured a contract to lead preparatory works for a floating liquefied natural gas unit in Africa, confirming its presence in the international gas infrastructure market.
The Slovak government is seeking guarantees from the European Union to secure its supplies as talks continue over ending Russian gas and adopting a new round of sanctions.
ArcLight Capital Partners announces the acquisition of Middletown Energy Center, a combined-cycle natural gas power plant, aimed at meeting the substantial rise in energy demand from data centers and digital infrastructure in Ohio.
The commissioning of LNG Canada, the first major Canadian liquefied natural gas export facility led by Shell, has not yet triggered the anticipated rise in natural gas prices in western Canada, still facing persistent oversupply.
Horizon Petroleum Ltd. is advancing towards the production launch of the Lachowice 7 gas well in Poland, having secured necessary permits and completed preliminary works to commence operations as early as next August.
European Union member states have requested to keep their national strategies for phasing out Russian gas by 2027 confidential, citing security concerns and market disruption risks, according to a document revealed by Reuters.
TotalEnergies becomes a member of PJM Interconnection, expanding its trading capabilities in North America's largest wholesale electricity market. The decision strengthens the company's presence in the United States.
Turkey has connected its gas grid to Syria’s and plans to begin supplying gas for power generation in the coming weeks, according to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Despite record electricity demand, China sees no significant increase in LNG purchases due to high prices and available alternative supplies.
US natural gas production and consumption are expected to reach record highs in 2025, before slightly declining the following year, according to the latest forecasts from the US Energy Information Administration.