Norton Rose Fulbright Advised Société Générale On Export Credit Financing For MSC Cruises' Vessel ‘MSC World America’
Norton Rose Fulbright advised Société Générale on export credit financing for MSC Cruises' vessel ‘MSC World America’
Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Société Générale and a syndicate of international banks on the BpiFAE-backed financing arrangements and delivery of MSC Cruises’ latest cruise vessel, MSC World America. The delivery took place at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on 27 March 2025.
MSC World America is the latest in MSC Cruises’ ‘World Class’ fleet and is among the most energy-efficient cruise ships globally. It exceeds design requirements under the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and operates on LNG, supporting a transition to bio and synthetic renewable fuels. The vessel also features shore power connectivity, enabling engine shutdown in ports to reduce emissions.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s shipping team offers the full range of legal services needed by today’s shipping companies. The team is particularly well known for its cruise sector expertise, acting for some of the largest, most renowned industry participants on both the operator and lender side. The firm is globally recognised for having leading Shipping and Ship Finance practices. Simon Hartley is named as a Band 1 practitioner for shipping finance in Chambers Global 2025 and as a Leading Partner for Transport Finance and Leasing in the Legal 500, with Matthew Bambury listed as a Rising Star and Leading Associate in the same category.
Norton Rose Fulbright partner Simon Hartley said, “We have very much appreciated being able to support Société Générale, and indirectly MSC, on the financing of this important project. The post-COVID recovery of the cruise industry has been incredibly pleasing to observe and this transaction further illustrates the current confidence, and related continued expansion, of this market. It also recognises the importance of ESG, and particularly decarbonisation, in shaping the future of the market and the delivery of another vessel in this new class of vessel continues the move to drive the cruise industry in the right environmental direction.”
The Norton Rose Fulbright London team was led by Simon Hartley (Partner), Matthew Bambury (Counsel) with support from Rebecca Daniels (Associate), William Ford (Trainee), and Megan Lyttelon (Associate).
The Paris team, advising on the French law aspects, was led by Christine Ezcutari (Partner), assisted by Ayaka Millet (Senior Associate), and Emilie Jacques (Associate).
This deal follows the firm’s consistent involvement in cruise sector transactions, including previous ECA-backed financings for MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Royal Caribbean, as well as financing for luxury vessels by Abercrombie & Kent and Orient Express.
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