By MSC World Asia, built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, is MSC’s third LNG-powered World Class vessel.
Though she uses Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) as her primary fuel, she is also capable of running on bio and synthetic renewable LNG fuels, and is has shore power connectivity, which allows the ship’s engines to be switched off while in port, eliminating local emissions and improving local air quality. As a result World Asia and her sister ships are among the most environmentally friendly cruise ships at sea.
The final trials took place in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of France earlier this week to test the ship’s engines, manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, safety systems, speed, and stopping distances, confirming her readiness as she moves toward final completion. She’s now back at the shipyard receiving her final finishing touches before being handed over to MSC on 25 November.
MSC World Class ships are each designed to a destination in itself. World Asia has design elements reflecting Asia’s culture, art and landscapes, including a giant dragon sculpture in the World Promenade, suspended 10 metres in the air.
MSC World Asia will carry up to 6,758 guests who will enjoy more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, international entertainment options, a range of family facilities… and ‘The Spiral @ Tree of Life’, the longest dry slide at sea, 81.3 metres long, taking guests soaring (should that be ‘screaming’?) down 12 decks.
The timetable now is…
- 25 Nov: Delivery
- 28 Nov: Official naming ceremony in Le Havre
- 04 Dec: First voyage. MSC World Asia departs Barcelona on her inaugural seven-night sailing
The ship will sail seven-night itineraries calling at some of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations, including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa and Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta, with accessible embarkation available in every port.
