MSC Cruises Expands World Class Fleet with Two New LNG-Powered Ships

On May 19, 2025, MSC Cruises announced the signing of contracts with the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique for the construction of two new WORLD Class ships. These vessels, known as World Class 5 and World Class 6, are set for delivery in 2029 and 2030, marking a key expansion of MSC’s fleet to a total of six World Class ships. This addition underlines MSC’s commitment to European shipbuilding and innovative maritime technology.

The upcoming ships will enhance MSC’s most advanced fleet iteration, joining the currently under-construction MSC World Europa and MSC World America, which will debut in 2026 and 2027. Each new ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature advanced dual-fuel engines, effectively reducing methane emissions by about 30% compared to existing options. Furthermore, the vessels will be adaptable for alternative fuels, aligning with MSC’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Innovative environmental features will include shore power capabilities while docked, cutting-edge wastewater treatment systems meeting International Maritime Organization standards, and comprehensive energy efficiency programs. These enhancements will significantly reduce the carbon footprints of the new ships, building on the impressive energy efficiency of current World Class vessels, which already exceed the Energy Efficiency Design Index requirements set by the IMO.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, emphasized the importance of this milestone, showcasing the long-standing collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which has produced 18 ships over the past two decades. Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, also spoke to the mutual expertise that drives the development of the high-potential World Class series, anticipating World Class 5 and 6 will lead to significant advancements in energy efficiency within the cruise industry.

With these new ships, MSC Cruises is poised to strengthen its position in the cruise market, emphasizing sustainability and technological advancements in ship design and operations.

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