French cruise ship packed with sustainable technology
The impressive MSC World Europe cruise ship radiates both luxury and sustainability. The giant LNG-powered ship, built by the French shipyard Chantiers de I’Atlantique, is an example of how the cruise industry is shouldering responsibility for developing more ecofriendly ships.
With its futuristic Y-shape and 330-metre-long streamlined profile, MSC World Europe will be an impressive sight when it is launched in 2022. MSC World Europe is the first of a total of four scheduled cruise ships in the World class ordered by MSC Cruises from the renowned French shipyard Chantiers de I’Atlantique.
Behind the elegant exterior is plenty of technology that not only makes sailing a luxurious and comfortable experience for passengers, but is also gentle to the environment. MSC World Europe will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from integrated solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). This is the first time LNG fuel-cells have been used on a cruise ship and they are expected to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to a conventional LNG engine.
Energy-optimised ventilation
The LNG fuel cells have been developed as part of the R&D programme Ecorizone ®, which Chantiers de I’Atlantique has launched in collaboration with the French government. And the pioneering fuel cells are not the only example of sustainable technology on board. The ship will also be equipped with an advanced waste-water system, as well as a ventilation system that is highly energy efficient.
The ventilation is supplied by Novenco Marine and Offshore, using 75 Hoyer IE3 marine motors for both centrifugal and axial fans. They are installed in the ship’s engine room and cargo area where rigorous demands for reliable, robust performance must be met.
“Over the years, we’ve supplied motors to a number of projects at Chantiers de I’Atlantique, and our motors are specified on the makers list for the various subcontractors involved in the construction of MSC World Europe. In this case, we supplied energy-efficient IE3 marine motors. These motors meet high efficiency requirements, which can be read directly from energy consumption,” says Adam Slupinski, Segment Manager, HVAC, Hoyer.
Cruise industry takes responsibility seriously
Neither MSC Cruises nor Chantiers de I’Atlantique hides the fact that the investment in sustainable technology goes far beyond what is required to meet legal requirements and international standards. Instead, both the shipping company and the shipyard make a virtue of leading the way towards total carbon-neutral, sustainable cruises.
“The cruise industry is a luxury industry that has been booming for a long time due to the growing interest in cruises. For several years, the industry has been a maritime frontrunner in energy efficiency and environmental focus. We also notice this on our deliveries to cruise ships. When ordering motors, it should ideally be IE3, and there is great focus on responsibility, sustainability and energy efficiency,” Adam Slupinski says.
Besides environmental and energy efficiency, due to the pandemic there is also keener focus on health and safety in the industry. Therefore, several cruise companies are upgrading their HVAC systems with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that can prevent the spread of the vast majority of airborne viruses and other pathogens. The use of HEPA filters requires considerably more energy for the HVAC system, potentially requiring a comprehensive upgrade of the capacity of both existing and new ships.
