MSC Cruises is set to become the first cruise line in the world to install a new sanitation system called ‘Safe Air’.

‘Safe Air’ will be fitted on MSC Seashore, which is currently under construction at shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard, set to be delivered in July 2021 and be the first of two ‘Seaside Evo’ class ships.

In August, MSC became one of the first major cruise lines in the world to return to sea with a new health and safety protocol approved by a range of national and regional authorities in Europe following the halt of the global industry in March as a result of COVID-19.

The new sanitation system is based on the technology of UV-C lamps which are type C ultraviolet rays applied in combination with the ship’s air conditioning system, whereby airflow is radiated at source with a short wavelength light that hits organic particles and prevents the circulation of air pollutants such as viruses, bacteria and mould.

‘Safe Air’ was developed by Fincantieri’s designers and technicians and the virology laboratory of the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, a leading global research institute headquartered in Trieste, Italy.

The Institute provides businesses with scientific support to develop technological solutions for the control of virus infections, which is particularly relevant today given the current global pandemic.

MSC Seashore – like all of the company’s new vessels – will also feature some of the latest technologies and solutions available to reduce her environmental footprint. These include a selective catalytic reduction system and a next-generation advanced wastewater treatment system.

SCR reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 per cent through advanced active emissions control technology and AWT systems take wastewater through a comprehensive process of purification and very fine filtration that transforms it into nearly tap-water quality.