MSC Cruises has today celebrated the float-out of its brand new ship, MSC Seashore.

The float-out happened earlier today (20 August) at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, marking the very first time the new vessel has touched the water.

Following the float-out, the ship will now enter the next stage of construction and be moved to a wet dock for work on her interior.

MSC Seashore will be the second new ship to come into MSC Cruises’ service in 2021 and is the company’s longest ship to date at 339 metres. MSC Seashore is also the largest ship to ever be built in Italy, a 169,500 GT ship with a maximum capacity of 5,877 guests.

The ship will become the third of four vessels in MSC Cruises’ Seaside class of ships, following in the footsteps of MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, launched in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

MSC Seashore will be equipped with the latest technologies to minimise her environmental footprint, such as a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce nitrogen oxide by 90 per cent.

Other technology includes an advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS) to treat wastewater and hybrid exhaust gas cleaning system.

CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono, said: “The float out has always been one of the most satisfying moments for those involved in the construction of a ship.

“It is also the occasion to further strengthen everyone’s commitment, because when the ship touches the sea a lot of work has already been done, but much more still lies ahead.

“This applies even more to MSC Seashore, which will become the new flagship of MSC Cruises: a record-breaking ship, that focuses on innovation, technology and design, and emphasizing the Fincantieri leadership.

“The uncertain situation that we are experiencing worldwide adds even more important value to this day, which bodes well not only for MSC Cruises and for our company, but for the entire cruise industry.”

Executive chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago, added: “We are committed to our new builds programme, which with each new class of ships sees us innovating and setting new standards in the industry.

“MSC Seashore will, in fact, be the largest and most innovative cruise vessel ever built in Italy, featuring the latest and most advanced environmental technology currently available.

“She will also be one of two new ships for which we will receive delivery in 2021 thus underlying our belief in the long-term growth prospects of the sector – as also demonstrated by the return to service of our first ship earlier this week as well as the investments made in our new health and safety operating protocol which is already setting a new standard for the industry.”