French shipbuilder secures repeat orders from MSC Cruises

French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique has secured contracts for the construction of two additional ships for MSC Cruises.

The ships will be the fifth and sixth in a series that also includes the 2022-built MSC World Europa (pictured), the recently delivered MSC World America, and MSC World Asia, which is scheduled to enter service before the end of 2026. The still unnamed fourth ship in the class has a tentative delivery date of 2027.

The new ships will be designed with innovative hull shapes to minimise resistance through the water. They will also incorporate LNG propulsion and a range of equipment to optimise energy use such as smart ventilation and advanced air conditioning systems and LED lighting.

The accommodation spaces on each ship will include 2,614 cabins. There will be 16 suites, more than half of which will have balconies.

MSC Cruises expects the two new ships will enter service by 2029 and 2030, respectively, following completion at Chantiers de l’Atlantique's Saint-Nazaire facilities.