Keel laid for 1st MSC Cruises’ LNG-powered ship

French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique is moving forward with the construction of the first LNG-powered vessels for cruise operator MSC Cruises.

Chantiers held a keel-laying ceremony for the LNG-powered cruiser, first such vessel to be constructed in France, on Monday.

The 205,000 gross ton cruiser MSC World Europa will enter service in 2022.

The vessel will feature a new system that incorporates solid oxide fuel cell technology.

This system, with an output power of 50KW, will produce electricity and heat using LNG on board.

The MSC World Europa will be the first of four “World Class” ships to join the MSC fleet.

The Switzerland-based cruise line has earlier this year ordered two additional LNG-powered ships at the yard in Saint-Nazaire.