The MSC Cruises ship, which is due to be delivered in July 2021, will feature the Safe Air system designed to “improve further the quality and cleanliness of the onboard air”.

The new sanitation system has been developer by shipbuilder Fincantieri’s designers and technicians in partnership with the Italy-based International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. 

The Safe Air system uses ultraviolet rays to radiate air flow “at source” as part of the ship’s air conditioning system to prevent the circulation of pollutants such as viruses, bacteria and mould around the vessel.

“The announcement is another step forward in MSC Cruises’ ongoing commitment to health and safety that was most recently demonstrated in August when it became the first major cruise line in the world to return to sea with a new and comprehensive health and safety protocol approved by a range of national and regional authorities in Europe,” said the line in a statement.