MSC Cruises to develop LNG bunkering system with ARTA

Posted on 8 February, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Seaside

MSC Cruises is to develop an LNG bunkering system for its cruise ships after striking a partnership with ARTA.

The two companies revealed their new partnership at the 2017 LNG Bunkering Summit in Amsterdam, where they said they would create a tailor-made LNG bunkering system that takes full account of the cruise industry’s specific needs.

MSC Cruises LNG project director Yves Bui said: “With up to four LNG-powered cruise ships scheduled to join our fleet, we are highly committed to developing the best possible technologies and systems to support the introduction of LNG to cruising. In ARTA, we have found a partner that matches our focus on innovation and the best maritime technology at sea and that understands our industry’s specific needs.”

The result is a system that features a newly developed coupling and decoupling mechanism and a double-walled hose that will allow MSC Cruises to conduct bunkering operations without disrupting the activities taking place on board the ship.

Andreas von Keitz, managing director of manufacturer of gas and liquid transfer solutions ARTA added: “We are exceptionally pleased with the new system we have developed to suit the cruise industry’s specific bunkering needs. Thanks to our partnership with MSC Cruises we have been able to fully understand these needs and have put over 40 years of our bunkering engineering experience to good use. The result is a technologically advanced solution that will help ensure that the double-wall principle is maintained across the entire LNG bunkering supply chain.”

MSC Cruises and STX France signed a letter of intent last June to build up to four LNG-fuelled cruise ships – part of the company’s plan for 11 new next-generation cruise ships over the next 10 years.

The first LNG-powered vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2022.

MSC builds: own private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Posted on 17 January, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

This story any many more on https://kreuzfahrttester.com

MSC Cruises celebrates groundbreaking for the MSC’s own private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

The ceremony will start the construction of a unique Caribbean destination, which MSC guests will be able to experience exclusively from November 2018 onwards.
Munich, 17 January 2017 – MSC Cruises, the market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, yesterday celebrated the groundbreaking for the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The island south of Bimini in the Bahamas will become an exclusive nature paradise for MSC guests from November 2018 onwards.

The Prime Minister of the Bahamas Perry Gladstone Christie and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman MSC Cruises, as well as other Bahamian ministers and government representatives, accompanied the ceremony. Thus the transformation of the island, which was formerly used for sand extraction, begins an original natural experience.

The development of the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is an integral part of the 9 billion euro investment plan, which also includes up to eleven ultra-modern new buildings to be commissioned between 2017 and 2026.

Pierfrancesco Vago commented: “In close co-operation with the Bahamian government, we are transforming the crumbling industrial area into a blossoming natural paradise, thereby returning the island to its original state. We are thus expanding our significant investments in the Bahamian economy and providing the local population with long-term job prospects. “

The innovative power of MSC is demonstrated by the fact that MSC ships will dock directly on the island, without – as usual. This allows the newly built berth with pier. The island is a direct extension of the ship and reflects all the experiences of board through a variety of facilities.

“The island is located 105 kilometers east of Miami, Florida, and offers 3.5 kilometers of beach, crystal blue water and a unique marine flora and fauna.” Gianluca Suprani, Head of Global Port Development and Shoreside Activities at MSC Cruises, added. It has the finest coral sand and, after completion of the work, the coastal waters become the home of dreamlike corals and exotic marine animals. MSC offers its guests a truly exclusive and unique caribbean experience. “

The island is lined with more than 80 different species of native trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs that bring back the original nature to life.
The MSC Seaside and other ships of the MSC fleet will start the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve from November 2018 on wards.

Royal Caribbean appoints executive to run Chinese joint venture

Posted on 5 January, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

An executive who spearheaded MSC Cruises expansion in the US is to head Royal Caribbean’s Chinese joint venture cruise operation.

Ken Muskat has been named chief executive of SkySea, a collaboration between China-based online travel giant Ctrip.com and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

SkySea’s first vessel Golden Era – the former Celebrity Century – sails regular itineraries from Shanghai. The business has been in operation for 20 months.

Muskat, who had a long career at Royal Caribbean before joining MSC Cruises in 2013, moves to SkySea in mid-January. He was executive vice president of sales for MSC in the US.

He is expected to help SkySea accelerate its campaign to become the top choice for Chinese cruise passengers seeking new holiday experiences in a “familiar East-meets-West” style.

Ctrip.com vice chairman and SkySea executive chairman Min Fan said: “Ken Muskat is known for his ability to generate consumer excitement and revenue generation, which are key elements in building a new cruise line and setting the stage for long-term growth.”

Muskat said: “There is no challenge I like better than creating a winning business proposition in a competitive market.

“I appreciate the confidence shown in me by the owners of SkySea, and I look forward to using my experience to help this exciting new brand grow to be a leader.

“I look forward to bringing to bear everything I’ve learned in my career and helping SkySea become a standout performer. There is an important role for a Chinese-centered brand like this in this large and growing market.”