MSC Cruises: MSC Armonia extension of in full swing

Extension of the MSC Armonia has begun: The MSC Armonia gets on the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo a new 24-meter mid-section used.

Yesterday in Palermo, the extension of the MSC Armonia has begun, which is the first of four ships of the Lirica Class as part of the modernization program "Renaissance" rebuilt by MSC Cruises.

Photo: MSC Cruises

Photo: MSC Cruises

On the Fincantieri shipyard of the 14,000-ton bow was separated and 30 meters on rails from the rear. In the space between the walls, the new, 24-meter and 2,200-ton center section is used.

The separation is a milestone in the 200 million-euro Renaissance program of MSC Cruises. As part of this project enlarged and renewed the shipping company, MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica and equipping the ships with additional comfort offers from to perfectly respond to the needs of today's cruise passengers.

Comprehensive and precise preparatory work was needed to prepare the separation of the ship perfectly: The steel cutting work had already started on September 2, with the highlight of the cut line. On September 3, the electrical systems of the MSC Armonia were shut down. On September 8, ended the cutting work before started on 10 SeptemberThe separation.

By converting the MSC Armonia and their environmental impacts are significantly reduced. A special treatment of the hull surface minimizes water resistance and saves considerable amount of fuel one. In addition, is used in the future in all common areas LED technology, which brings a much lower energy consumption.

In addition, a drive with a frequency converter for variable speed control is installed on the MSC Armonia, an energy-saving system that significantly reduces the power consumption of the vessel by flexible adaptation to different operating conditions. Furthermore, MSC can try out a new propeller blade design that will improve energy efficiency even further and thereby reduce fuel consumption also with its propellers suppliers.

Emilio La Scala, Director of the Technical Division of MSC Cruises, explained during the occasion of the ship separation taking place in Palermo press conference: "MSC Cruises have long been planning a modernization program of this magnitude. But we did not start before we had chosen the best partner in the shipbuilding industry. Because we want our ships not only larger, but also provide them with high standards in terms of technology, safety and sustainability. Fincantieri has the know-how and the experience to carry out a so extensive project which will meet our requirements in every respect.The long partnership with Fincantieri has already proven itself in various maintenance and conversion projects in our ships. "

As part of construction work, the MSC Armonia receives 193 additional cabins. In addition, other areas of the ship will be refurbished to enhance the comfort and entertainment and services available on board.

The new ship, for example, to offer a new baby club, which was designed and created jointly with the partner Chicco. There will also be a new kids' club, a young club, junior club and a teen club. Food lovers can enjoy the rich specialties offer in the buffet restaurant 20 hours a day. As part of modernization also a new lounge area and an extended restaurant area be established.

The MSC Armonia is also equipped with a library and the Aurea Spa is ready with new offers on. As a special highlight of the modernized vessel loads a new water park with water features on deck for a swim.

The MSC Armonia, which has been available since August 31 in dry dock Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo and will remain a total of 11 weeks there, stands on November 19, 2014 from Genoa to its second maiden voyage to the Canary Islands in the lake.