Cruise Line Signs Letter of Intent for Construction of Four LNG Ships

MSC Cruises, a privately-owned Swiss-based cruise line, announced that it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with STX France for the construction of up to four new LNG-powered cruise. The four ships, the first one of which will be delivered in 2022, will be based on a next-generation prototype and will form what will be known as the “World Class” of MSC Cruises’ ships.

MSC Cruises is the first cruise line brand to develop an investment plan of this length and magnitude, spanning more than ten years—from 2014 through 2026—and introducing a total of up to eleven next-generation ships. The new orders would reflect an additional investment of nearly $4.5 billion, which will bring the total value of the Company’s 10-plus years investment plan to nearly $10.2 billion.

The four ships provided under the LOI – two firm orders and two further options – will be delivered in 2022, 2024, 2025 and in 2026. They will feature a GRT in excess of 200,000 tons, more than 2,700 staterooms and approximately 5,400 lower berths occupancy capacity.