The naming ceremony of MSC World Europa, the first LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises fleet, took place on Sunday, November 13, at the brand new Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha.
MSC Cruises, hosted a stunning naming ceremony for its newest flagship with performances from Qatari local artists, a cutting-edge video projection onto the ship’s hull, along with huge drone show followed by a grand finale performance by international singer and songwriter Matteo Bocelli.
As part of long-standing maritime tradition, Pierfrancesco Vago - MSC Cruises Chairman, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Master of the Vessel Captain Marco Massa, distinguished guests, and local authorities took part in the official naming ceremony of the MSC World Europa
At the gala ceremony Pierfrancesco Vago noted that MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, eliminateing air pollutant emissions. “On top of ground-breaking advances in terms of reduction of emissions and energy efficiency, the LNG-powered ship also paves the way towards the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.
Just like Qatar, our Group has placed climate change at the forefront of its agenda. We are committed to reaching net zero carbon from our cruise operations by 2050. MSC World Europa is our most innovative vessel. She is the world’s best-performing cruise ship in terms of CO2 emissions per guest. Running on LNG, the cleanest fossil fuel and, of course, Qatar’s most renowned export.”
Spanning 22 decks, 47 metres wide, 40,000 m2 of public space and 2,626 staterooms, this mega-ship is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering different experiences whilst setting a new standard for the cruise industry.
Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “While Qatar Airways is the global aviation gateway to Qatar, the marine industry is very important to tourism and the long-term economic and cultural connections it brings."
Akbar Al Baker said: “As sustainability is vital to the future growth of aviation, MSC World Europa illustrates how the marine industry is addressing the challenges of efficiency and emissions reductions.
“The naming ceremony of MSC World Europa is an important prelude to the FIFA World Cup 2022 and shows the enormous endeavour and collaboration necessary to deliver the best World Cup ever.”
MSC World Europa will serve as a hotel accommodation during the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and will set sail on December 20, on her inaugural season in the Middle East offering 7-night voyages to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; Dammam, Saudi Arabia; and Doha, Qatar.
