MSC Cruises debuts new flagship

MSC Cruises has taken delivery of MSC Virtuosa, the latest vessel to join its fleet and the company’s new flagship.

As tradition calls, a small and private flag ceremony was held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France between the shipyard and MSC Cruises, where MSC Virtuosa received her official flag and blessings for good fortune.

The ceremony was attended in person by the company’s executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, his wife Alexa Aponte-Vago and their children, as well as representatives from MSC’s new-builds team, along with executives and workers from the shipyard.

“My family and I could not miss this opportunity to welcome in person the newest member to our fleet,” Vago said.

“The delivery of MSC Virtuosa at such a challenging time for our industry symbolises how as a family company we continue to look at the longer term and build our future.”

When it comes to the environment, MSC Virtuosa, along with MSC Seashore, features some of the most advanced technology currently available, including hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems and cutting-edge selective catalytic reduction systems; wastewater treatment systems in line with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 227(64) Resolution; shore-to-ship power connectivity; as well as underwater radiated noise management system, with hull and engine room designs that minimise acoustic sound impact, reducing their potential effects on marine fauna.

“Our long-term goal is to achieve a zero-impact cruise operation and this is the journey we are on today,” Vago said.

“As we work with our partners to identify new technologies that will bring us closer to this goal with each new ship that we build and bring into service, we continue to equip our ships with the latest and most effective technologies in the market.”

The cruise line has also just announced the appointment of Alfonso Piccirillo as its chief financial officer.

Piccirillo, 43, joined MSC in 2004 and has for the past five years been the cruise line’s head of financial planning and controlling. Prior to that, he worked as MSC’s business analyst and group controller.