On 25OCT, International Artists Day, MSC Cruises announced a design contest to transform the hull of MSC Euribia into a giant, floating canvas with the goal to communicate the importance of respect for the environment.
The hull art contest, which opened on 25OCT and is set to last for eight weeks, is part of the cruise line's ongoing commitment to the environment and to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, said, “We are a family company with over 300 years of maritime heritage; all we do and ever did is shipping. The sea is our livelihood and our passion. For this and more, since our early days, we focused on looking after it for the next generations. Today [25OCT], this means that, at MSC Cruises, we are equipping our ships with the latest and most advanced environmental technologies and solutions. We also fund research and invest directly to support the accelerated development of next generation solutions and we embrace innovative technologies to minimize our impact and protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystems.”
The entries will be judged by a panel of international judges including sand artist Jben, known for his large-scale sand frescoes; architect Martin Francis; and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group. According to the cruise line, Jben has travelled the world sculpting Beach Art in the United States, France, Morocco, Holland and Portugal, and raising awareness of sea-related environmental issues and encouraging marine protection and preservation.
One winner will have their artwork showcased on the ship’s hull. Five additional shortlist finalists will also have their designs displayed in an exhibition on board MSC Euribia, where guests will be exposed to their art and its message. The winning designer will also receive a monetary prize and a cruise experience on board the ship. Shortlisted winners, in addition to their art being displayed on board MSC Euribia, will also receive a smaller monetary prize.
“The winning design will be yet another sign of our ongoing commitment to protecting the oceans and achieving net-zero operations, an ambitious goal that we have set for ourselves to reach by 2050 or sooner. Through this contest, MSC Euribia will be proudly showcasing this important message of our commitment on her hull for all to see as she sails the world,” Mr. Vago added.
MSC Euribia will come into service in 2023 and become the second LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, which marks another step forward in the company's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the cruise line, MSC Euribia’s engines have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 21% compared to standard fuels while also eliminating other air emissions.
For more information on MSC Cruises, visit its web site.
