Costa Cruises took delivery of its newest liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship, Costa Toscana, at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland on Thursday, December 2. The Costa Group, which includes the Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises brands, has two LNG-powered ships, AIDAnova and Costa Smeralda, already in service, with Costa Toscana and AIDACosma set to join the fleet soon.
The use of LNG almost completely eliminates sulfur oxide emissions (zero emissions) and particulate matter (95-100 percent reduction), while also significantly reducing nitrogen oxide emissions (direct reduction of 85 percent) and CO2 (reduction of up to 20 percent).
Costa Toscana's first cruise will depart from Savona, Italy, on March 5, 2022, with a week-long itinerary visiting Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Palermo and Civitavecchia/Rome. Following its debut, the new flagship will remain deployed in the Western Mediterranean throughout the year. During the summer season, the ship will call at Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, Ibiza, Valencia, Marseille, while during the autumn seaso, Palma de Mallorca will replace Ibiza.
In addition to being powered by LNG, the ship is said to have a series of technological innovations designed to further reduce environmental impact. The entire daily water requirement is met by transforming seawater using desalination plants. Energy consumption is minimized thanks to an “intelligent energy efficiency system.” In addition, 100 percent separate waste collection and recycling of materials such as plastic, paper, glass and aluminum will be carried out on board, as part of an integrated approach aimed at implementing circular economy projects.
Designed by Adam D. Tihany, Costa's new flagship is a tribute to Tuscany, which gives its name to the ship, its decks and main public areas. The ship will have over 2,600 cabins, a Solemio Spa, 21 restaurants and themed bars.
For more information, visit https://www.costacruises.eu/
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