These new vessels, World Class 5 and 6, scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030 respectively, represent an overall direct investment of around EUR 3.5 billion. With this new order, MSC Cruises' total direct investment in France over the past two decades now exceeds EUR 18 billion, making the Company one of the largest private investors in the French economy.

Construction will take place between 2027 and 2030 and will generate over 20 million hours of work, supporting over 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs and involving over 500 French suppliers. These new ships further strengthen MSC Cruises' historic contribution to France's heritage and strategic industrial capabilities.

This order is part of a long-term industrial strategy for MSC Cruises, and is based on a strong partnership with Chantiers de l'Atlantique, which has built 19 of the Company's 23 ships to date. Together, the two companies have co-developed five distinct ship classes and contributed to innovation in the cruise and marine construction industries.

Marc Ferracci, Minister for Industry and Energy, said: 'The partnership between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique is a model of industrial partnership supported by the State. With nearly EUR 3.5 billion in additional investments and hundreds of job creations, this partnership contributes to the industrial reconquest in a strategic sector for our country. This excellent news, announced at the Choose France summit, demonstrates France's industrial attractiveness, based on the excellence of our know-how and innovation.'

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, said: 'The order for these two new World Class ships marks a new milestone in our remarkable shipbuilding journey in France, which is in line with our long-term industrial plan. This milestone underlines our commitment with Chantiers de l'Atlantique, our long-standing partner for over 20 years, to build the world's most efficient vessels, creating a legacy of excellence and innovation. The World Class platform combines the best environmental technologies with the latest innovations in customer experience.'

Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, added: 'We thank MSC Cruises for its renewed confidence. It is the synergy of the expertise of our two companies that has made it possible to create this high-potential World Class series, meeting the challenges of passenger experience and environmental performance. The World Class 5 and 6 ships mark a turning point in the history of the cruise industry, with the best energy efficiency.'

The new ships will join MSC WORLD EUROPA and MSC WORLD AMERICA, which are already in service, as well as MSC WORLD ASIA and MSC WORLD ATLANTIC, which are currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

World Class ships are among the most energy-efficient, far exceeding the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Energy Efficiency Indices (EEDI). The new vessels will meet and strengthen these standards, being compatible with different alternative fuels, including bio-based and synthetic LNG as well as biodiesel. These fuels reduce GHG emissions and their large-scale availability is essential for the decarbonization of the maritime industry.

They will also be equipped with the latest generation of dual-fuel internal combustion engines, incorporating technologies to further reduce fugitive methane emissions.

The ships will be equipped with dockside connection systems to reduce emissions during port calls, including CO2 as well as NOx and SOx, advanced wastewater treatment systems that comply with IMO and more restrictive Baltic Standard standards, new waste management devices and a full range of energy-efficient equipment to optimise the use of engines and onboard hotel services.

Like the other ships in the World Class, the new ships will offer an unparalleled passenger experience, combining the elegance of European design, comfort and the concept of themed quarters, to meet the expectations of travellers. Every new ship built by MSC Cruises offers distinctive new features, and World Class 5 and 6 will be no exception.

Both new orders are subject to obtaining financing, in line with industry practices.

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