MSC Cruises continues to expand its fleet, signing the order yesterday for a fifth cruise ship for the Meraviglia line, the largest cruise ships in Europe, to STX France, scheduled for delivery in 2023.
To accompany this order, the Italian cruise line also confirmed the signature of four smaller, natural gas-powered World class cruise ships, one of which will be delivered each year from 2022 to 2026. By 2026, STX will therefore have supplied 21 of the 25 vessels that the shipowner will operate to the MSC Croisières fleet.
The announcement, which was made during an exceptional ceremony in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire, was accompanied by the rituals of the three ships that the shipyards of Saint-Nazaire already have in the course of delivery on behalf of MSC. This is the first time in the history of the shipyard that the same company has three vessels under construction simultaneously, making this a historical partnership.
"Today, we are opening a new chapter in the history of our partnership with STX and more broadly with France. We are proud to be the leading private investor in export contracts," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
"We are proud to be the preferred industrial partner of the MSC Croisières group, whose development we have been supporting for 15 years. These figures alone demonstrate the intensification of our client's growth plan and our commitment to supporting their ambitions," added Laurent Castaing, Managing Director of STX France.
Each of the ships ordered will be able to accommodate more than 6,000 passengers and will push the limits of marine technology, with the latest greener engines and more environmentally friendly components. They will meet the strictest international environmental standards.
If this partnership goes off without a hitch, the MSC Croisières fleet will be able to welcome 106,000 passengers for cruises around the world in 2027.
