By our special correspondent in Saint-Nazaire
Who says rain says happy? If the saying also refers to baptisms, then great must be the bliss Global Europe. It was in the pouring rain, quickly banished by the shining sun, that the Atlantic Shipyards of Saint-Nazaire entrusted the keys to their new vessel to MSC fleet owners. The fruit of two years of hard work, the 205,000-ton, 330-meter, 2,600-room beauty was traditionally anointed by a priest with big blasts of holy water. “For to bless a ship is to bless a crew that knows the dangers of the sea. Lord, we ask your favor for this ship.” A more prosaic but equally theatrical pre-consecration with champagne.
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1”. Ella Aponte, MSC founder’s daughter-in-law, encouraged by the crowd’s chants, cut the ribbon holding the Jeroboam (like a mignonette) to the mastodon’s shell with a sharp blow. Noise in the audience drowning out the Italian-kitsch soundtrack. vocalizations of a duet of opera singers Con te Partiro. Departing, the giant of the seas will do so on Wednesday. Direction Doha, Qatar, where it will serve as a floating hotel during the World Cup. With its 21 floors, seven swimming pools and its steel slide that allows you to descend eleven stories at lightning speed, MSC World Europa is undoubtedly one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It is also one of the most advanced in terms of reducing polluting emissions. According to the company, even that “Less emissions per passenger in the world”.
LNG and fuel cell
Her five multi-fuel engines allow her to alternatively cruise on fuel oil or liquid natural gas, the cleanest fuel to date. As a result, 25% less CO², 85% less nitrogen oxide and nearly zero sulfur oxide emissions (-99%). The ship also has a fuel cell that provides 20% of its electricity when it is stationary. These characteristics should be common to future world-class ships, of which she is the first representative.
As the industry knows it, this is about to change in a time of climate change and “cruise collisions”. In addition to signing the Blue Charter, which commits them to protect the Mediterranean Sea, the major companies have agreed on a goal of “net zero emissions” by 2050. To achieve this, they make huge investments without believing in medicine. to the miracle. Sea connection? Effectively, ports still need to be equipped (nowhere in France). LNG? Controversial because of the methane leaks that can occur when transporting it. According to some studies, they can be even more harmful than CO² emissions, which are supposed to reduce… Green hydrogen. It’s ideal, but for now we can’t produce enough. “3 kilograms per day, when 40 tons would be needed.”says Henri Doyer, director of MSC programs at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
In 1822, the first steamboat was launched on the Loire. Two hundred years later, we are turning a new page
Laurent Castaing, director of Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Another pitfall and no less highlighted at this launch with great fanfare. the energy crisis. Is it realistic to bet everything on gas in 2022? The shipowner assures that it stores up to two years. But if the crisis continued, an increase in expenses was expected. As we waited through these dark hours, Monday’s mood was one of celebration. “In 1822, the first steamboat was launched on the Loire. Two hundred years later, we are turning a new page,” hailed the shipyards’ general manager, Laurent Castain, before “handing over” the vessel, to use the established wording, to the MSC.
Then, as things go in the world of cruises, where one ship chases another, the design of her successor was launched with a very symbolic cut of her first sheet, which was filmed and broadcast on a giant screen. In total, the company has already placed orders with Loire-Atlantique shipyards for four other vessels. All moving, partly on LNG. Cruise, new rack?
Source: Le Figaro
