MSC Cruises is giving artists and designers around the world the opportunity to transform the hull of MSC Euribia into a giant, floating canvas to communicating the importance of respect for the environment.
MSC Euribia, which is the most environmentally advanced ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet to date, is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas. The vision of the cruise line’s upcoming flagship is to master the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to protect and preserve the precious marine ecosystem.
MSC Cruises is calling on artists from around the world to create a unique artwork inspired by the sea and its important marine ecosystem that will be featured as a permanent design across the ship’s hull, as she sails the world’s oceans. The design contest which opens today, is a first for MSC Cruises and shines a light on the company’s ongoing commitment to the environment and its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050.
MSC wants you
The entries will be judged by a panel of international judges including sand artist Jben, known for his large-scale ephemeral sand frescoes that wash away with the tide, architect Martin Francis and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group. Jben has travelled the world sculpting beach art in the United States, France, Morocco, Holland and Portugal, raising awareness of sea-related environmental issues, encouraging marine protection and preservation.
To promote the design contest Jben created an immense 45 metre x 45 metre fresco on French beach the Côte Sauvage, telling designers ‘MSC wants you’ and calling on them to join the competition.
The winner will see his or her artwork showcased on the ship’s hull, as a sailing outdoor gallery for the world to see. Five further shortlist finalists will also have their designs displayed in an exhibition on board MSC Euribia.
MSC Euribia will come into service in 2023 and become the second LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, marking another step forward in substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. LNG plays a key role in the journey towards climate change mitigation and MSC Euribia’s engines have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 21% compared to standard fuels while also virtually eliminating other air emissions.
As Bio and synthetic fuels become available, MSC Euribia’s emissions will be further reduced. LNG is also key to the development of sustainable fuels and fuel cell solutions for shipping as these emerging technologies cannot be operated with traditional fuels. MSC Cruises is actively involved in several projects to develop and make these technologies viable in partnership with regulators, academia, shipyards and industry.
MSC Euribia will also utilise a next-generation advanced wastewater treatment system as well as an underwater radiated noise management system to minimise the effects of vibrations on marine life. multiple energy efficiency features help reduce and optimise engine use.