Top Headlines

MSC World Europa starts sailing in the Med

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 12 April 2023 12 April 2023

MSC Cruises’ innovative new ship – MSC World Europa – is starting her first summer season in the Mediterranean after arriving from the Arabian Gulf this week. The ship became MSC Cruises’ largest, and the company’s first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), when she was delivered by French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique in October 2022. MSC World Europa is also the world’s highest performing large cruise ship in terms of CO2eq emissions per passenger.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “Our guests from the U.S. have been thrilled to cruise on board MSC World Europa during her inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf, and many more of them are flocking to Europe as she starts her first summer season in the Mediterranean. This groundbreaking ship exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainable cruising. MSC World Europa’s innovative environmental and marine technologies represent a major step forward on our journey towards meeting our target of net-zero emissions by 2050, and it offers a glimpse at our future in the U.S. as we move toward bringing MSC World America into service in 2025.”

MSC World Europa will be powered by LNG throughout the summer season, with her first bunkering in Marseille scheduled on April 15, 2023. LNG is the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale. Compared to standard marine fuels, LNG virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions – including sulphur oxides and fine particles – and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85 percent.

LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it offers up to a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and is paving the way for the uptake of sustainable non-fossil fuels such as bio and synthetic LNG.

Unique fuel cell technology showing promising results

MSC World Europa is the world’s first contemporary cruise ship to feature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology powered by LNG. The ship includes a 150-kilowatt SOFC demonstrator that uses LNG to efficiently produce electricity and heat on board using an electrochemical reaction, which could be a key to unlocking significant environmental sustainability gains in the future. Thanks to this increased efficiency, SOFC has the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with a conventional LNG engine without producing nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide or fine particle emissions. In addition to being compatible with LNG, the cell is compatible with potential low carbon fuels like green methanol, ammonia, liquid hydrogen and bio or synthetic LNG.

Linden Coppell, Vice President of Sustainability & ESG at MSC Cruises, said: “Nearly six months into testing, the fuel cell performance has been excellent, and we haven’t seen any signs of safety or maintenance issues. The efficiency to date – measured in terms of the energy we can generate from the same unit of fuel – is well above that of an internal combustion engine and has exceeded our expectations. We have operated the system continually and it has delivered a steady output even better than our forecast 150-kilowatt return. Obviously, this is a small fraction of the energy we need but we are confident that the system can be scaled up on future newbuilds. We recognize that this will requires close collaboration with partners across and outside of our industry, which is why MSC Cruises is actively involved in several different research initiatives and partnerships that all share the common objective of accelerating the transition toward a net-zero future.”

A range of other environmental features

MSC World Europa is equipped with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce carbon emissions in port, as well as an advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS) that meets the world’s highest regulatory requirements, including the so-called Baltic standard. It treats all wastewater produced onboard to near tap water standards. The ship also includes a ballast water treatment system that prevents introducing invasive species in the marine environment through ballast water discharges, in full compliance with IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention.

The vessel has an entire team dedicated to implementing strict waste management protocols which separate all wastes into seven distinct types (i.e. glass, aluminum and paper) with specialized equipment to crush or bundle each type in the ship’s waste management facility.

MSC World Europa also features an underwater radiated noise management system to minimize disturbance to marine life, along with a comprehensive range of energy efficient equipment onboard to optimize engine use and hotel energy needs and further reduce emissions. It is fitted with enhanced automatic data collection systems for remote energy monitoring and analysis, allowing real-time shoreside support to optimize operational efficiency onboard.

Next-generation cruise experience

During this first summer season in the Mediterranean, guests on MSC World Europa will be able to experience the trailblazing ship’s extraordinary features and impressive spaces, including the spectacular World Promenade, immersive restaurants, next-level entertainment options and MSC Cruises’ largest, most action-packed kids’ area.

Disney Cruise line to homeport ship acquired from Genting Hong Kong creditors to Singapore

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 30 March 2023 30 March 2023

Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board agreed to collaborate to homeport the newbuilding Disney Cruise Line bought from the creditors of the failed Genting Hong Kong group in Singapore for at least five years beginning in 2025.

More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date, the company said in a statement.

Disney Cruise Line estimates the passenger capacity of the 208,000-gross-ton ship to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members. It is expected to be among the first in the cruise industry to be fueled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available The passenger capacity envisaged by Disney Cruise Line is much lower than the original figure of 9,500 cited by Genting Hong Kong.

Construction is projected to be completed in Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish and is constructing two additional Wish-class ships.

Cruising in Singapore and Southeast Asia

Singapore’s strategic location, world-class air connectivity and port infrastructure make it a thriving cruise hub in Southeast Asia, a diverse region that is home to over 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The addition of a Disney Cruise Line ship in Singapore has the potential to add millions of local and foreign cruise passengers across the five-year period, including fly-cruise passengers who arrive in Singapore by air.

It is also expected to bring about significant spillover benefits for the wider economy. These include greater demand for port and ship-related services, as well as on-ground spending in Singapore for the lifestyle and hospitality sectors.

New Disney Cruise Ship for Families in Southeast Asia

The new ship will feature innovative Disney experiences along with the dazzling entertainment, world-class dining and legendary guest service that set Disney Cruise Line apart. Guests of all ages will find dedicated spaces and activities designed just for them, and families will create unforgettable memories with beloved characters such as Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse, Disney Princesses, Marvel Super Heroes and more.

Silversea and Meyer Werft celebrate keel laying of Silver Ray

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 24 March 2023 24 March 2023

Silversea Cruises and MEYER WERFT celebrated the keel laying of Silver Ray on March 23, hosting select Travel Advisors for a symbolic ceremony at the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. An age-old shipbuilding tradition, the keel laying marks the start of a ship’s assembly. The second ship in Silversea’s pioneering Nova class, the 728-guest Silver Ray is expected to enter service in summer 2024, joining her sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most sustainable ships in her class.

Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s President and CEO, and Jan Meyer, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT, were among the attendees as a commemorative coin, bearing Silver Ray’s silhouette, was placed under a pre-assembled module – weighing 230 tonnes, and measuring approximately 47m by 8m (155ft by 27ft) – as a symbol of good luck. Attendees subsequently raised a glass to celebrate the important milestone.

“We were delighted to welcome select members of our valued trade community to the MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg to witness this milestone in the build of Silver Ray – one of the first times that Travel Advisors have attended the keel laying of an ultra-luxury ship,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Anticipation is building for the introduction of our pioneering Nova class ships, with Silver Nova set to join the fleet this summer. In addition to being two of the most sustainable ultra-luxury cruise ships ever launched, the Nova class ships will introduce an asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout for the first time in our cruise line’s history, as well as all-new public venues that are among the most spacious at sea. Silver Nova and Silver Ray represent important milestones on Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to achieving a net zero newbuild, and I thank the entire team at MEYER WERFT, as well as those involved at Royal Caribbean Group and Silversea, for their invaluable collaboration.”

"The Nova class will set new standards on the way to net zero emissions cruising. We are therefore delighted to take another symbolic step in the construction of Silver Ray today with the keel laying. I am sure that the ultra-luxury ship will be able to meet the high demands of her guests and will inspire them with her innovative design," said Jan Meyer, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT.

Before Silver Ray’s official keel laying ceremony, attending guests were given a tour of Silver Nova, which nears completion at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is set to join Silversea’s fleet this summer. A first for Silversea, both Nova class ships will incorporate an innovative asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout, with public spaces and suites spanning the entire length of each ship. Silver Nova and Silver Ray will enrich guests’ travels with an unprecedented openness to the destination.

Multi-sector collaboration to advance maritime energy technology

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 18 March 2023 18 March 2023

A ground-breaking research project involving Freudenberg e-Power Systems, the MEYER WERFT shipyard and Royal Caribbean Group is underway to develop a completely new fuel cell system tailored to the maritime sector. This has been a multi-year project aiming to create a maritime fuel cell system of an unprecedented scale, which will power Royal Caribbean Group's Nova class ships and represent a significant step toward achieving a net zero newbuild. At completion of the project, the fuel cell installation is intended to cover the full hotel load of a ship and allow for zero local emissions in port.

What has posed a considerable challenge, however, is the process to reform liquefied natural gas (LNG) to usable hydrogen at scale for a shipboard environment, which has delayed the onboard implementation of the project. The partners expect the first maritime demonstrator system will be completed later this year as work continues toward the full-scale application.

The undertaking of this complex project represents an evolution of how energy is generated and distributed on board, paving the way for a more innovative and sustainable future. The project has achieved important successes to evolve the use of fuel cells, including the approval of the maritime safety concept.

"We are bringing the best minds together to develop fuel cells at scale for the cruise industry by piloting the application on a Nova class ship and expect to complete the necessary approvals in line with IMO regulations later this year," said Thomas Weigend, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT.

“The strategic cooperation between Royal Caribbean, MEYER WERFT and Freudenberg e-Power Systems is groundbreaking for emissions reduction in the cruise industry. The combination of fuel cells providing high efficiency and a long lifetime with Freudenberg’s very powerful battery systems is tailored to the high demands of the maritime sector,” said Dr. Max Kley, CEO of Freudenberg e-Power Systems.

“Innovation is in our DNA and as pioneers in this industry, we comprehend the challenges that come with future proofing any new technology. To ensure seamless functionality and operability, the integration of this complex system in our ships is critical. Collaborations such as advance our sustainability journey and, together with MEYER WERFT and Freudenberg, we remain committed to supporting the continued research and development of this cutting-edge technology,” said Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President, Maritime for Royal Caribbean Group.

Currently under construction in Papenburg, Germany, Silver Nova is set to become one of the most sustainable cruise ships when she enters service in summer 2023.

Big day for Hong Kong's return of cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 March 2023 11 March 2023

The local cruise tourism is reviving progressively. In one month from early March to early April, Hong Kong is welcoming a total of five cruise liners on their maiden trip to Hong Kong from around the world. In addition, Resorts World One of Resorts World Cruises, the first cruise ship homeporting in Hong Kong since travel fully resumes, is setting off for its inaugural tour from Hong Kong this evening (10 March).

Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “With the efforts of the Government and the HKTB, cruises from various markets are visiting Hong Kong one by one. This not only marks Hong Kong’s return to the global cruise market, but also plays a significant role in consolidating Hong Kong’s status as a regional cruise hub and international travel destination. The HKTB will continue to drive the relaunch of international cruise itineraries and arrange for more ship calls to Hong Kong, as well as stepping up our promotions in visitor source markets.”

Hong Kong will see an international line-up of maiden cruise calls from various markets around the world, including Mein Schiff 5 of TUI Cruises from Germany, Borealis of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines from the UK, and MSC Poesia of MSC Cruises from Italy.

Among the ship calls, Resorts World One, with Southeast Asia as its major market, called at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Wednesday (8 March) with Hong Kong as its homeport, bringing more than 1,000 visitors from Southeast Asia. The cruise liner will set off for its inaugural tour from Hong Kong, and is scheduled to make three departures per week in the coming year, to bring whole new cruise experiences to consumers.

Together with the above ship calls, the Government and the HKTB has successfully secured 16 cruise lines to Hong Kong with more than 150 ship calls. The HKTB will continue to support cruise companies in maintaining and increasing cruise calls to Hong Kong, as well as launching promotional campaigns and building partnerships in the Greater Bay Area.

Photo: Resorts World One and Mein Schiff 5 docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Credit: HKTB

Cruisebusiness.com