The tradition of the naval coin-laying ceremony took place at the Chantiers de l 'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, when the keel was laid for the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel MSC World Europa.
MSC World Europa will be one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally advanced LNG vessels in its class
The GT 200 Plus is due to enter service in 2022 and be one of the most technologically and environmentally advanced LNG cruise ships ever built in France.
Zoe Afrika Vago, daughter of Alexa Aponte-Vago and her husband Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, and Aurore Bezard from Human Resources at Chantiers de I 'Atlantique performed a traditional maritime ritual as godchildren representing the ship owner and shipbuilder when they placed two coins under the keel as a historic sign of blessing and good fortune for the project as well as the operational life of the ship at sea.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “MSC World Europa is further proof of our commitment to the environment as it aims to reduce carbon emissions even more than many other existing LNG cruise ships, which is currently the most clean fuel for commercial offshore operations. With this ship, we also reaffirm our faith in investing in advanced environmental technology to achieve our long-term goal of zero emissions from operations. "
Laurent Casten, CEO of Chantiers de l 'Atlantique, added: “We are proud to have begun building a liner that will set the standard for the cruising of the future. This is an important milestone in our 20-year partnership with MSC Cruises, which has already resulted in the construction of several most innovative cruise ships ever built. "
MSC World Europa will be equipped with a new 50-kilowatt demonstration system that incorporates solid fuel cell technology (SOFC) and uses LNG to generate electricity and heat on board, using an LNG fuel cell for the first time on a cruise ship.
MSC World Europa will also be equipped with a new generation wastewater treatment system that exceeds some of the world's most stringent regulatory standards, as well as other advanced environmental technologies.
MSC Cruises 'next flagship MSC Virtuosa is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire and is preparing for delivery next year. The company also has firm orders with the Chantiers de l' Atlantique for two additional LNG ships, one for each MSC World ship class and Meraviglia.
