Chantiers held a keel laying ceremony for the LNG-powered cruiser, the first such vessel to be constructed in France.

In 2022 the 205,000 gross ton MSC World Europa cruiser will enter operations.

The vessel would incorporate a new design integrating technologies for the solid oxide fuel cell.

This system can generate electricity and heat using LNG on board, with an output power of 50kW.

The MSC World Europa will join the MSC fleet as the first of four "World Class" vessels.

At the yard in Saint-Nazaire, Switzerland-based cruise line ordered two additional LNG-powered ships earlier this year.

Maritime Business World