MSC Cruises has launched a design contest for the hull of its new ship, which is set to debut in 2022. The company’s first ever cruise ship will be called “The World” and was designed by John Azimkar, who also won an award at last year’s Venice Biennale.
MSC Cruises has announced that artists and designers from all over the globe will have the chance to convert the hull of its future ship, MSC Euribia, into a massive floating canvas.
The design competition, which begins today, is a first for the cruise line and aims to communicate the significance of environmental stewardship.
MSC Euribia will be MSC’s most ecologically sophisticated ship to date, and it will be named after Eurybia, the Greek goddess who mastered the waters by harnessing the winds, weather, and stars.
Euribia MSC (Rendering courtesy of MSC Cruises)
The announcement, which comes on the heels of International Artist Day, invites artists to produce a one-of-a-kind creation inspired by the oceans and their vital marine ecology. The winning artwork will be exhibited as a permanent design over the ship’s hull, similar to the designs used on Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships.
A team of international experts will assess the entries, which will include sand artist Jben, who is renowned for his large-scale sand sculpture that is washed away with the tide; architect Martin Francis; and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
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“The winning design will be another proof of our continuous commitment to conserving the seas and attaining net-zero operations, which we have set as a goal for ourselves to achieve by 2050 or sooner.” Mr. Vago said, “Through this competition, MSC Euribia will proudly display this essential message of our dedication on her hull for everyone to see while she travels the globe.”
In June 2021, the steel-cutting ceremony for MSC Euribia will take place (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)
One winner’s artwork will be exhibited on the hull, while five other competitors’ designs will be presented at an exhibition on board the ship.
The MSC Euribia is set to begin service in 2023, and will be the cruise line’s second LNG (liquefied natural gas)-powered ship. LNG is a critical component in the fight against climate change, and Euribia’s engines have the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 21% compared to conventional fuels while nearly eliminating other air pollutants.
To reduce the impacts of vibration on marine life, the vessel will also use a next-generation sophisticated wastewater treatment system as well as an underwater radiated noise control system.
Click here for additional details about the competition. Visit talenthouse.com/i/Create-a-design-for-the-hull-of-the-MSC-Euribia-cruise-ship for more on how to enter.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, October 25th, and it will be available for eight weeks.