MSC Cruises leads eco-technology revolution

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Imagine spending time at sea and not having to worry about being blown around by strong winds swirling across the ocean.

Or perhaps your ultimate pleasure would be to enjoy the sensation of ‘being at the seaside’ wherever you are sailing in the world.

Remarkably, these and other wished-for experiences will soon become a reality for cruise line passengers thanks to the revolutionary design innovations for two new prototype ships.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is to build two next-generation ‘Seaside’ cruise vessels which will be based on what designers are describing as a “revolutionary architectural style”.

A range of futuristic technologies will include an almost at sea-level promenade which will circumnavigate each ship, giving passengers the feeling of being ‘at the seaside’ throughout their time on board. Both ships will also be equipped with innovative wind deflectors which will prevent passengers being disturbed by strong breezes. This will also increase opportunities for more outdoor functions and on-board events.

The prototype ships – commissioned by Italian-Switzerland cruise company MSC Cruises – will feature numerous other technological innovations which will reduce fuel consumption by 25 per cent compared with similar vessels and provide advanced safety systems that will far exceed international regulation requirements.

Both ships will be smaller and wider than other luxury cruise vessels. Their innovative design and versatility will make it much easier for them to visit and dock at any port around the world.

“Seaside is a futuristic prototype because of its structure, shape and versatility,” said MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago. “We had in mind to design and build two completely new ships, revolutionary in their structure, unlike anything that exists on the market today. We are getting ready for the new and compelling challenge that the construction of these ships represents. It will be a real revolution in the world’s cruise market, an excellent product for its unique and innovative architectural features and cutting-edge technology.”

The new ships’ unique design is based on the concept of increasing cruise line customers' outdoor living experience. In addition to the breathtaking near sea-level promenade, completely new features will include outdoor shops, bars and restaurants. Seaside’s other world-leading attractions will include a sumptuous and spacious theatre, terraced balconies and panoramic lifts with sea views.

Geneva-based MSC Cruises has a proven, award-winning reputation for designing eco-friendly ships which exceed environmental expectations. The company’s record for innovative eco-technology in its current fleet of cruise vessels includes advanced water treatment systems to prevent ocean pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy conservation equipment.

msc-seaside-pictures-001MSC Cruises’ commitment to cleaner, green technology to protect and preserve the ocean environment has been recognised by a series of high-profile awards around the world in recent years. Awards have been received for a cruise ship achieving the highest environmental standards, for outstanding eco-friendly facilities, setting standards for lower ship emissions, achieving near-zero environmental impact for treated emissions and for ships protecting their hulls with revolutionary paint which reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

“This is the start of an ambitious and new adventure with MSC, a group that prides itself on its quality and Mediterranean style,” said Fincantieri chief executive Giuseppe Bono. “These ships, which represent a genuine design challenge, will be developed entirely by Fincantieri. Our commitment to innovation covers all high value-added sectors, thanks to the involvement of more than 2,000 technicians and 160 employees dedicated to basic research, as well as a partner network of Italian and European centres of excellence.”

Each new ship will cost €700 million and there is an option for a third vessel. The first one is scheduled for delivery towards the end of 2017 and the second vessel is due for completion six months later. The new cruise ships will have a gross tonnage of 154,000 tons and each have 2,070 cabins for 5,300 passengers and 760 cabins for crew.

“MSC Cruises adds the last piece to its new industrial plan that will allow us to double the capacity of our fleet by 2022,” said the company’s chief executive Gianni Onorato. “With the arrival of the new ships we will reach a capacity of about 80,000 passengers a day.”

Meanwhile, you may find it interesting to watch this short video which shows features of the revolutionary new design.

Source: MSC cruises

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