Healthcare Laundries
BW Barrier Washing Machines
Optimized, Hygienic Washing for Critical Environments
Project Objective
To design, manufacture, and install a complete industrial laundry solution on board the cruise ship MSC World Europa.
The Challenge
An industrial laundry operating in a high-demand maritime environment. A 333-meter-long cruise ship, with capacity for more than 6,700 passengers and crew members, requires a robust, reliable, and high-performance laundry solution. Available space on board is limited, while daily operations demand maximum efficiency and continuity of service.
In addition, the system had to align with the vessel’s sustainability objectives, as the ship operates on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and incorporates advanced energy systems designed to minimize its environmental footprint.
The Solution
Girbau technology adapted to a next-generation cruise ship. Girbau designed, manufactured, and installed a fully integrated industrial laundry solution on board the MSC World Europa, tailored to the specific operational, spatial, and environmental requirements of a modern cruise vessel.
An Industrial Laundry in a High-Demand Maritime Environment
Automation and Efficiency as Core Design Principles
Girbau implemented a fully automated laundry system based on the TBS (Tunnel Batch System) washing solution, incorporating automatic garment transport, industrial dryers, ironers, and folders. This configuration ensures a continuous linen flow, delivering maximum operational efficiency, consistent quality, and optimized resource use throughout the laundry process.
Adaptation to Limited Space and Maritime Regulations
The installation was distributed across two levels within the vessel to maximize the use of available space and facilitate maintenance operations. All machines were pre-tested and adapted by Girbau technicians to compensate for the effects of ship motion and ensure optimal performance under all operating conditions at sea, while fully complying with the technical and regulatory requirements of the maritime environment.
Would you like to implement a laundry solution as efficient as the MSC World Europa?
Project Development and Installation
The industrial laundry installed on board the vessel is distributed across two levels located on decks two and three of the ship.
On the upper level, Girbau installed two complete batch washing systems, each consisting of two 12-module tunnel washers, two presses, 10 dryers, and a network of conveyor belts that automatically transfer the linen to the lower level.
To complete the solution, three washer-extractors with capacities of 24, 57, and 110 kilograms were installed, along with three dryers dedicated to processing passenger garments, which are typically high-quality textiles requiring specific care.
On the lower level, once the linen automatically descends from the upper deck, it is processed through two complete flatwork ironing lines, each comprising two automatic feeders, two ironers, and two flatwork folders.
To finalize the installation, the laundry is also equipped with two towel folding machines, ensuring efficient and high-quality finishing of terry items.
-
01/06 · Girbau industrial hydroextractor press installed onboard MSC World Europa -
02/06 · Girbau industrial drying machines installed onboard MSC World Europa -
03/06 · Commercial laundry supervisor -
04/06 · Girbau industrial ironing syste -
05/06 · Girbau auxiliary equipment integrated with an industrial ironer at the MSC World Europa laundry facility. -
06/06 · Girbau industrial drying system with automatic loading conveyor onboard MSC World Europa.
Products
Products at MSC World Europa
Industrial Laundries
Compact PRO Compact Industrial Ironer
Five Functions in One Machine — Maximum Productivity in Minimum Space
Industrial Laundries
DR Ironing Line Feeder
High-Precision Feeding for Maximum Productivity in Every Cycle
Self-Service Laundries
EDD Commercial Dryers
Two Drums in One Machine — Double the Productivity in the Same Space
OPL Laundries
PB Wall Ironer for Laundries
Precision and Consistency, Every Single Time
Self-Service Laundries
Genius Commercial Washer
The washer that pays for itself — Record-breaking efficiency, full connectivity, and award-winning design
Self-Service Laundries
HS Commercial Washers
High-Speed Extraction, Robust Design, and Proven Professional Reliability
Self-Service Laundries
RM Series Commercial Washers
Girbau Quality — Long-Lasting Performance with Lower Investment
Healthcare Laundries
Sortech Laundry Sorting System
RFID Automation and Full Traceability for Industrial Laundries
Case Study Results
Performance
Girbau delivered a tailor-made solution, achieving the highest possible level of process automation while addressing all the challenges and specific requirements of such a complex environment as a cruise ship.
Reliability
Automation has reduced manual labor, improved workplace ergonomics, and ensured continuous operational reliability throughout long voyages.
Sustainability
The design of the industrial laundry on board the MSC World Europa was driven by a shared commitment to achieving the highest sustainability standards. This vessel is MSC’s first ship powered entirely by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Through this project, Girbau also reinforces its strong commitment to sustainability in the field of professional laundry solutions.
-
“We are very satisfied with the performance and reliability of Girbau’s equipment. The industrial laundry solution provided meets all of the cruise ship’s laundry needs.”
As Ari Adoy
Supervisor of the industrial laundry at MSC World Europa