Passenger ship MSC World Class W34: Innovation and sustainability in the largest cruise ship ever built in Europe
France
Currently under construction by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, the MSC World Class W34 passenger ship represents a milestone in the European shipping industry. It is the largest cruise ship built by a European shipowner and the first in its category to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship stands out for its advanced technology and low emissions. It achieves reductions of 99% in SOx and 85% in NOx and integrates the innovative PACKBOAT R&D project with fuel cells. IDOM is responsible for the engine room equipment integration studies of this emblematic vessel.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique is a shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, Brittany, France, dedicated to designing and constructing a wide range of commercial, naval, and passenger vessels.
They are currently assembling the first series of MSC World Class cruise ships, the W34, which was contracted by MSC Cruises and launched in 2022. It is the largest ship built by a European shipowner and the first in its class to be propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and built in France. It marks a milestone in reducing pollutant emissions, with reductions of 99% for SOx and 85% for NOx, making it the cruise ship with the lowest emissions per passenger per day.
General characteristics of the vessel:
- Length: 333 m
Beam: 47 m
Draft: 9.15 m
Maximum speed: 21.8 kts
Capacity: 2,634 cabins / 6,762 passengers
Crew: 2,138 persons
It also incorporates the PACKBOAT R&D project, which involves integrating a new onboard fuel cell technology demonstrator. With a power output of 50 kW, this demonstrator produces electricity and heat using LNG, the fuel used to produce energy on board these vessels, as previously stated.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique contracted IDOM’s professional services to develop the equipment integration studies for this first vessel’s engine room.
