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.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group said, “As a family company with over 300 years of combined maritime experience, the sea is our livelihood and our passion. It’s essential that we look after it for the next generation, which is why at MSC Cruises we are dedicated to support the development and embrace innovative technologies to minimise our impact and funding research that helps protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystems.”
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, 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.
“The winning design will be a large-scale symbol of our ongoing commitment to protecting the oceans and achieving net-zero operations. Through this contest, we hope to share MSC Euribia’s message of sustainability as she sails the world, proudly showcasing this important message on her hull for all to see,” Mr Vago added.
Only one winner will be lucky enough for their artwork to be 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, where guests will be exposed their art and its important message for years to come.
MSC Cruises also shared a video today of artist Jben calling on other artists to join him. On 19 October, he 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.
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. This include a project to study the use of hydrogen fuel in cruise ships in partnership with Fincantieri and SNAM, as well as a pilot project for the development of solid oxide fuel cell technology for cruise ships.
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.
MSC Cruises is committed to powering at least three upcoming ships with LNG, representing a total investment exceeding EUR 3 billion.
For more information on how to enter, please click here or visit www.talenthouse.com
