Qatar has taken steps to consolidate its position as top cruise tourism destination: Al Baker
The world’s largest LNG-powered cruise ship features 2,626 cabins and boasts more than 430,556 square-feet of public space
CHAIRMAN of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker has affirmed that Qatar has taken significant steps to consolidate its position as a world-class destination for cruise tourism, and that the Arabian Gulf is an important gateway for it in this regard.
This came during a press conference held by Al Baker on Sunday on board the ship (floating hotel) MSC World Europa, along with CEO of MSC Cruises Gianni Onorato and Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group Pierfrancesco Vago.
During the press conference, the details of the completely new ship were highlighted.
The experience of the first floating hotel serving the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament with its creative solutions, which will provide hospitality to the football fans starting on Sunday was also highlighted.
Al Baker said, “While Qatar Airways is the global aviation gateway to Qatar, the marine industry is very important to tourism and the long -term economic and cultural connections it brings. As sustainability is vital to the future growth of aviation, MSC World Europa illustrates how the marine industry is addressing the challenges of efficiency and emissions reductions.”
MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, in partnership with Qatar Airways, on Sunday hosted the naming ceremony of its newest flagship MSC World Europa and officially announced the opening of the new Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port.
This announcement comes as part of MSC’s commitment to Qatar and the continued importance of the region, where MSC Cruises is the leading brand, and to support Qatar National Vision 2030 with the aim to increase three times the number of international tourists who visit the country by that year.
MSC World Europa, the world’s largest LNG-powered cruise ship and one of the first to use fuel cell technology spans 22 decks, is 154 feet wide, features 2,626 cabins and boasts more than 430,556 square-feet of public space. Considered the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship to date to join the MSC Cruises fleet in terms of emissions reduction and energy efficiency, MSC World Europa is also paving the way for the uptake of synthetic and other carbon-free alternative fuels once they are widely available.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group, said: “Just like Qatar, our Group has placed climate change at the forefront of its agenda. We are committed to reaching net zero carbon from our cruise operations by 2050. MSC World Europa is our most innovative vessel. She is the world’s best performing cruise ship in terms of CO2 emissions per guest running on LNG, the cleanest fossil fuel and, of course, Qatar’s most renowned export.”
Vago added, “Qatar has a wonderful tourism offering to meet a huge variety of interests and an array of destinations. In
2016, our own MSC Fantasia became the first major cruise ship to call at Doha. We have been reliable partners ever since. And today, we renew our commitment to Qatar by homeporting our most modern and innovative ship in Doha.”
Akbar Al Baker, chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group chief executive, said: “While Qatar Airways is the global aviation gateway to Qatar, the marine industry is very important to tourism and the long-term economic and cultural connections it brings. As sustainability is vital to the future growth of aviation, MSC World Europa illustrates how the marine industry is addressing the challenges of efficiency and emissions reductions. The naming ceremony of MSC World Europa is an important prelude to the FIFA World Cup 2022 and shows the enormous endeavour and collaboration necessary to deliver the best World Cup ever.”
Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur Hamad
Al Amari, the event’s guests from around the world were treated to experiences from local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship’s hull, huge drone show and a grand finale performance by international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, presenting his solo work for the first time ever in Doha.
The glamorous night culminated in a spectacular firework display against the stunning Doha skyline and a gourmet gala dinner in the ship’s elegant restaurants.
A world of new experiences is offered at the one of a kind modern, ocean-going metropolis that represents the future of cruise and offers a world of different experiences that opens new horizons for what is possible to see at sea, setting a new standard for the cruise industry.
MSC World Europa is the world’s first contemporary cruise ship to feature new solid oxide fuel cell technology, powered by LNG. The ship will feature a 150 kW solid oxide fuel cell propeller that uses LNG to produce electricity and heat onboard in a highly efficient way. This will be a practical testbed to accelerate the development of fuel cell technology for contemporary cruise ships, and offer the potential for future hybrid propulsion solutions.
In addition, MSC World Europa will feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems to comply with the so-called Baltic standard - the strictest global standard for wastewater disposal to sea, an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce potential noise and vibration impact on marine mammals.