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MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned global cruise line, has this week cut the first steel for its 'next-generation' cruise ship named MSC Seaside.

According to the firm, the MSC Seaside and her sister ship will set new standards for eco-friendliness, featuring Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) systems to remove pollutants and hazardous substances from waste water; garbage treatment plants for highly efficient solid waste management; scrubbers to reduce emissions; antifouling paints; and optimized hull lines, propellers and rudders to reduce drag and fuel consumption.

In addition, the ships will have LED lighting, meaning lower energy demand and significantly lower fuel consumption.

In a ceremony held at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and Chief Executive Officer, Gianni Onorato, along with Fincantieri's Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Bono, launched the cutting of the first steel of MSC Seaside.

MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: "Today, we have witnessed the beginning of the work on an extraordinary new ship, MSC Seaside. It is a ship that revolutionizes industry standards, with an audacious and innovative design that brings guests and sea closer. It is also a testament to MSC Cruises' constant focus on innovation, as it is the fifth prototype ship we've designed."

Vago added: "Moreover, MSC Seaside represents a key pillar in a $5.8 billion, seven-ship investment plan that will double our capacity by 2022. It also steps up our investment in Italy and marks our return to a partnership with Fincantieri, which is something that makes me particularly proud. In fact, the building of the new Seaside ships as well as our other current project with Fincantieri - the $225 million Renaissance Program - are just one example of how a global organization like MSC, of which MSC Cruises is part, plays a key role in the Italian economy."

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, remarked: "This ceremony is unique for our Group and the Monfalcone shipyard. MSC Seaside will be the largest ship ever built in our shipyards, as well as the first we have ever constructed for MSC Cruises, whose strength - like ours - lies in being a truly global player in its industry. In MSC Seaside we have developed a brand new and highly ambitious project, and we look forward to building it. In two years we will celebrate with MSC Cruises a magnificent ship of which we will all be deeply proud."

MSC Seaside will be based year-round in Miami and is to sail a wide range of highly appealing Caribbean itineraries. In addition, MSC Cruises' Miami-based cruise operations - which also includes the MSC Divina, which will sail year-round from Miami starting November 2015 - will benefit from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal in Miami.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO said: "For MSC Seaside, we chose a name that speaks of our vision for cruising in warm weather locations, the proximity with the sea, the joy of travelling, and discovering the wonders of sunny climates in a unique setting. We also call it 'the ship that follows the sun' and it will offer a truly remarkable experience for families, sun worshippers and adventurers.

"In addition, MSC Seaside will spearhead our campaign to expand our presence in North America. MSC Cruises has the unique opportunity to provide North American guests with an outstanding 'Mediterranean Style Cruise' experience, and guests from around the world a unique setting as it will sail to the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean."

With a gross tonnage of 154,000 tonnes and the ability to accommodate up to 4,140 guests at double capacity, this new cruise ship will be the largest ever built by Fincantieri. The vessel is set to arrive in Miami in December 2017.

MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships on order from Fincantieri, the second of which is due to enter in to service in 2018. In addition, MSC Cruises has an option for an additional Seaside generation ship to be delivered by 2021.

MSC Cruises carried 1.67 million guests in 2014 and reported strong financial results with a turnover of $1.7 billion. In addition, MSC Cruises is forecasting an additional 10 percent growth for 2015.

Image: MSC Preziosa.