On Monday, May 19, 2025, MSC Cruises formalized contracts with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique (STX France in St Nazaire) for the construction of two more WORLD Class ships, scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030.
These унитс, temporarily designated as World Class 5 and World Class 6, will increase the total number of MSC's WORLD vessels to 6, reinforcing the company's commitment to European shipbuilding and maritime innovation.
The new ships represent an evolution of MSC's largest and most technologically advanced class. They will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America, as well as MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic, which are currently under construction and set to debut in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
These vessels will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and equipped with next-generation dual-fuel internal combustion engines designed to reduce methane slip by approximately 30% compared to existing technologies. They will also be prepared to utilize alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic LNG, as well as green methanol, aligning with MSC Cruises' objective to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Additional environmental features include shore power connectivity to minimize emissions while docked, advanced wastewater treatment systems compliant with International Maritime Organization standards, and comprehensive onboard energy efficiency measures. These enhancements are expected to further reduce the vessels' carbon footprints, building upon the already notable energy efficiency of existing World Class ships, which surpass the IMO's Energy Efficiency Design Index requirements.
Pierfrancesco Vago (Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises) highlighted the significance of this milestone in the company's shipbuilding endeavors in France, noting the longstanding partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which has resulted in the construction of 18 ships over two decades. He reiterated MSC's dedication to developing high-performing ships in collaboration with trusted partners.
Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, acknowledged the collaborative expertise of both companies in creating the high-potential World Class series. He noted that World Class 5 and 6 would mark a significant advancement in the cruise industry, particularly in terms of energy efficiency.
With these additions, MSC Cruises continues to reinforce its position in the cruise industry, focusing on sustainable growth and technological advancement in ship design and operation.