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St. Nazaire, 24 October 2007
Today another step was taken in the development of MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, two of the largest cruise liners to be built for a European shipowner. The laying of the keel for MSC Splendida will be celebrated at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. This new class of ship to be delivered in June 2009, will be a giant of the seas at 133,500 gross registered tonnes.
MSC Splendida is a name that evokes elegance and a gentle personality, including feminine qualities that are well represented by the many women who make up the workforce on this project.
Following shipbuilding tradition, two gold coins will be welded to the keel. These were contributed by the shipowner and the shipyard. This tradition goes back to Roman times and consolidates the relationship between owner and builder.
The coin given by MSC Cruises was minted in collaboration with the city of Sorrento. One side is embossed with an image of the port of Sorrento, the emblem of the city. The other side will feature the MSC Cruises logo. Sorrento is the headquarters of the technical department of MSC Cruises and the birthplace of the company owner. There are three coins made of gold: the first will be placed in the keel; one will be kept as a memento by the Mayor of Sorrento; and the third will remain at the MSC Cruises technical department office.
The coin donated by Aker Yards France comes from Naples where MSC Cruises has its headquarters. It was minted in 1847 and is embossed with the effigy of the King of the two Sicilies - Ferdinando II, the pioneer of industrialization in Italy. He worked to create the first railway in 1839, which connected Naples to Portici - a project carried out through French and Italian collaboration. Godmothers for this ceremony will be Carla Gotta of MSC Cruises and Elise Bodin of Aker Yards France. Carla has been part of the MSC team since 1968 and today is Port Operation Manager for MSC Cruises in Genoa. Elise is responsible for the steel works at the shipyard.
"This ceremony represents yet another significant step as we continue the expansion strategy that we began in 2000 when we placed the order for MSC Lirica. We are the only company in the world with a single brand that has been successfully opening offices around the world in 31 countries," said Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises. "MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida will herald a new concept for cruise ships. Both ships introduce a new philosophy with regard to public areas, starting with an exclusive VIP area. They are furnished with the most prestigious materials and avant-garde technology to safeguard the environment."
"Just like her sister ship, MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida will have luxurious interiors, the best quality materials and spacious cabins," added Jacques Hardelay, Managing Director of Aker Yards France. "We are proud and delighted to be part of the expansion of the MSC Cruises fleet as we further consolidate our long standing relationship and look to more interesting projects in the future."
Following the coin ceremony for MSC Splendida, a visit to three mock-up cabins of MSC Fantasia took place.
MSC Poesia will join the fleet in April 2008 and MSC Fantasia will follow in December.
Click here to view the article.
St. Nazaire, 24 October 2007
Today another step was taken in the development of MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, two of the largest cruise liners to be built for a European shipowner. The laying of the keel for MSC Splendida will be celebrated at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. This new class of ship to be delivered in June 2009, will be a giant of the seas at 133,500 gross registered tonnes.
MSC Splendida is a name that evokes elegance and a gentle personality, including feminine qualities that are well represented by the many women who make up the workforce on this project.
Following shipbuilding tradition, two gold coins will be welded to the keel. These were contributed by the shipowner and the shipyard. This tradition goes back to Roman times and consolidates the relationship between owner and builder.
The coin given by MSC Cruises was minted in collaboration with the city of Sorrento. One side is embossed with an image of the port of Sorrento, the emblem of the city. The other side will feature the MSC Cruises logo. Sorrento is the headquarters of the technical department of MSC Cruises and the birthplace of the company owner. There are three coins made of gold: the first will be placed in the keel; one will be kept as a memento by the Mayor of Sorrento; and the third will remain at the MSC Cruises technical department office.
The coin donated by Aker Yards France comes from Naples where MSC Cruises has its headquarters. It was minted in 1847 and is embossed with the effigy of the King of the two Sicilies - Ferdinando II, the pioneer of industrialization in Italy. He worked to create the first railway in 1839, which connected Naples to Portici - a project carried out through French and Italian collaboration. Godmothers for this ceremony will be Carla Gotta of MSC Cruises and Elise Bodin of Aker Yards France. Carla has been part of the MSC team since 1968 and today is Port Operation Manager for MSC Cruises in Genoa. Elise is responsible for the steel works at the shipyard.
"This ceremony represents yet another significant step as we continue the expansion strategy that we began in 2000 when we placed the order for MSC Lirica. We are the only company in the world with a single brand that has been successfully opening offices around the world in 31 countries," said Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises. "MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida will herald a new concept for cruise ships. Both ships introduce a new philosophy with regard to public areas, starting with an exclusive VIP area. They are furnished with the most prestigious materials and avant-garde technology to safeguard the environment."
"Just like her sister ship, MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida will have luxurious interiors, the best quality materials and spacious cabins," added Jacques Hardelay, Managing Director of Aker Yards France. "We are proud and delighted to be part of the expansion of the MSC Cruises fleet as we further consolidate our long standing relationship and look to more interesting projects in the future."
Following the coin ceremony for MSC Splendida, a visit to three mock-up cabins of MSC Fantasia took place.
MSC Poesia will join the fleet in April 2008 and MSC Fantasia will follow in December.
Click here to view the article.
