Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Group (MSC) and Italy's Onorato Shipping Group (Moby Lines) have contracted China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to construct up to eight luxury Ro-Pax ships.
The initial deal is for four ships, plus two options for two additional ships to be built by CSSC subsidiaries Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) and China Shipbuilding Trading Co. (CSTC).
The LNG-ready roll-on roll-off ferries are 229.5 metres by 32 metres, with 3,765 lane metres, and will have 534 cabins for up to 2,500 people.
The first and third ships will be delivered to MSC's Italian subsidiary Grandi Navi Veloci, while Onorato Shipping will take delivery of the other two.
The vessels will be able to reach a speed of about 23.5 knots and have been classified by RINA.
The first vessel will come into service in 2020.