Bussiness News

The news comes within days of the delivery by STX France of the 293.8 m, 2,500 passenger MSC Magnifica, the fourth ship in the cruise line's Musica class.

The new ship will be larger than the Musica class. It will be a sister ship of MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, delivered from St. Nazaire in December 2008 and July 2009, with a length of 330 meters and a gross tonnage of about 140,000 gt. The vessel will have 1,751 cabins, which is 100 more cabins than her two sister vessels. The vessel will have an ultra-modern design with multiple dining and entertainment options -- with the highest environmental standards.

"This letter of intent demonstrates the excellent and exceptional collaboration between teams of STX at St. Nazaire and those of MSC Cruises. We look forward to implementing our expertise to again fulfil the promise of exceptional quality, deliverability, and design for MSC Cruises" says Mr. Jacques Hardelay, President of STX France SA.

The new order will generate about 5,000,000 hours of work for the industrial area of St. Nazaire -- mostly at STX France SA and its sub-suppliers and partners. For the shipyard, it represents two years of work for 1,000 of 2,300 employees

Confirmation of the order remains subject to finalization of financing arrangements.

Thursday 25 February 2010 saw the flag-changing ceremony for the MSC Magnifica. At 294 m long, 32 m wide and 60 m, the ship differs from its three predecessors in having a covered pool, enlarged cafeteria area and many decorative and technological innovations. It is a truly unique ship.

MSC Magnifica was set to return to Saint-Nazaire today after a pre-inaugural cruise to Hamburg. She is now set to sail to Hamburg with 2,500 German passengers on board, where she will be christened in the presence of her godmother, screen legend Sophia Loren, on Saturday, March 6, 2010.