MSC Cruises, a division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (“MSC”), has made a €1.1 billion investment in the future of its cruise line with the purchase of two newbuild Vista series cruise ships, advised by international law firm Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”).

The two ships are to be built by STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire in France. Vista is the largest series of cruise ship in the world and MSC’s two new vessels will be delivered in 2017 and 2019 respectively. WFW advised MSC on the Coface-backed deal financed by Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Banks (CA-CIB) and BNP Paribas. WFW also advised MSC on the shipbuilding contracts.

The WFW team was led by London partner and WFW Head of Maritime Lindsey Keeble, with senior associate Kate Silverstein, while partner Michael Greville advised on the shipbuilding contracts.

London partner Lindsey Keeble, said: “The breadth of WFW’s maritime practice allows us to advise clients throughout the sector. We’re pleased to have advised MSC on this significant investment in its cruise ship fleet, and a notable deal for the cruise industry overall.”