MSC World Europa is set to become the largest LNG-powered cruise ship in the world when launched in October this year, said MSC Cruises in a statement.
The cruise line had released information on the ship’s environmental credentials including solid oxide fuel cells, a selective catalytic reduction system and enhanced shore-to-ship power capability.
According to MSC Cruises, MSC World Europa will be the world’s first contemporary cruise vessel to feature brand new solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The ship will include a 150-kilowatt SOFC demonstrator that will generate auxiliary power to deliver efficiency gains and significant CO2 emissions reductions.
It will be a testbed to accelerate the development of fuel cell technology for contemporary cruise ships and offers the potential to enable hybrid propulsion solutions in the future.
Linden Coppell, Director of Sustainability for MSC Cruises, said: “We are committed to a net-zero future, which is why we are investing heavily in the development of low-carbon fuels and solutions that will accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
“MSC World Europa will be our most efficient ship yet and help us prove and refine environmental technologies for the future of our fleet.
“With this project, we are also advancing partnerships with technology suppliers, energy companies, academia, and regulatory bodies.”
MSC World Europa features a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduces NOx emissions by 90% when LNG is not available, and the ship must run on marine gas oil.
As LNG fuel achieves a similar reduction, MSC World Europa will always meet International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Tier III NOx emissions standards.
Shore-to-ship power connectivity allows MSC World Europa to minimise engine use at ports where the required infrastructure is available.
The ship also features the latest wastewater treatment technology, in compliance with the IMO’s MEPC 227(64) Resolution.
For more information, please visit msccruises.co.uk.
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