MSC Cruises on Wednesday said it has signed a letter of intent with STX France for the construction of up to four LNG-powered cruise ships.
Swiss-based cruise line noted in its statement that the first of four 200,000 GRT vessels, two firm orders and two options, will be delivered in 2022.
The three other vessels under the LOI are scheduled for delivery in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Total order cost is at US$4.5 billion, MSC said.
The order is a part of MSC’s 10-plus year investment plan, from 2014 through 2026, that is now valued at $10.2 billion.
Based on a prototype design which will be known as the “World Class”, new cruise ships will have a gross tonnage of 200,000, with more than 2,700 staterooms and approximately 5,400 lower berth occupancy capacity.