The Saint-Nazaire Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique has nerves of steel. While the MSC Grandiosa has just been delivered, the cutting of the first sheet steel of the MSC Europa World promises more environmentally friendly navigation.

It's smooth sailing, but…

On Thursday 31 October 2019, the sea monster Grandiosa set off for Le Havre before returning to Hamburg for its inauguration. It is the 15th liner built for the Swiss shipowner MSC Cruises by Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique of Saint-Nazaire. With a capacity of 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew members, this mega ship of 331 meters (1,086 ft.) long by 67 meters (220 ft.) high was completed only a few months after the MSC Bellissima. 

Although the Grandiosa is already a good citizen with its Selective Catalytic Reduction System (-80% nitrogen oxide) and its hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems (-97% sulphur oxide), the shipowner can do better. At a time when the pollution generated by these monsters is being singled out, new technologies are needed.

MSC Europa World leading the way

The president of Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique, Laurent Castaing, acknowledges this: "the road is still long to reach zero impact." It is time to invest in cleaner technologies. From one boat to another, here comes the first new generation liner, the MSC Europa World. With a scheduled delivery in 2022, it will be the first World Class LNG-powered liner built in France.

An alternative fuel

5 billion euros have been invested by MSC to reduce the environmental impact of the five futuristic World Class ships.

Compared to standard marine fuels, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) reduces sulphur oxide emissions by 98% and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85%. Not to mention the significant reduction of particulate matter in the ship's emissions and greenhouse gas emissions. A world first on a cruise ship, the MSC Europa will integrate a demonstrator of a new type of fuel cell powered by LNG, capable of producing electricity and heat. The combination of these two technologies will reduce greenhouse gases by 30% without any emissions of nitrogen oxide, Sulphur or fine particles.

With their project named PSCBOAT developed over the course of ten years, MSC Cruises and Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique are setting a course for a zero-emission future, at sea as well as on land. By the year 2027.

Related reading:

- The Oasis Class giant liner will be called Wonder of the seas

- Naval Group has announced the launch of Naval Group Pacific, based to Sydney (Australia)

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