LNG-powered MSC World America aces sea trials ahead of April launch

MSC World America, the third liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered newbuilding of MSC Cruises, part of Swiss shipping major MSC Group, has crossed the finish line in sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean.

As disclosed, the deep-water intensive systems tests explored the performance of the cruise ship’s engines, maneuverability, fuel consumption, safety systems, speed and stopping distances.

With the trials completed, the ship is set to get its finishing touches at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. Then, it will be formally handed over to the cruise line on March 27, just less than two weeks before its christening, scheduled for April 9, 2025.

According to MSC, the naming ceremony is planned to be held at the new MSC Cruise Terminal in PortMiami, after which the 333.3-meter-long newbuilding is slated to enter service in the Caribbean Sea.

Boasting a gross tonnage of 216,638 GT, MSC World America is described as having been constructed “with sustainability in mind.” As informed, the vessel has been equipped with shore power connectivity, which allows its engines to be switched off while in port and, thus, remove local emissions while ‘improving’ air quality.

It is understood that the unit also features an ‘enhanced’ wastewater treatment plant as well as an on-board recycling management plant.

What is more, its use of liquefied natural gas carries the potential to pave the way toward a ‘direct’ transition to drop-in bio and synthetic LNG fuels, the Swiss shipping heavyweight has highlighted.

The first vessel in the LNG-fueled series was the MSC World Europa, believed to be the ‘biggest LNG cruise ship’ in the world. The 580.3-meter-long ship was christened in November 2022 and set sail the following month. The second one, dubbed the MSC Euribia, was handed over at the end of May 2023.

As per the Geneva-headquartered company, MSC Cruises presently has another vessel on order, the MSC World Asia, which is anticipated to be handed over in 2026, and a yet unnamed fourth World Class unit, slated for delivery in 2027.

In terms of other ship segments, MSC has placed an array of orders for ships powered by liquefied natural gas in 2024. For instance, in December that year, the company booked 10 LNG dual-fuel boxships at China’s Hengli Heavy Industries. The newbuilds are expected to join its new owner’s fleet in 2028 and 2030.