12-Meter Dragon Sculpture by Balich Wonder Studio Installed on MSC World Asia

A 12-meter-long dragon sculpture, designed by Balich Wonder Studio, has been installed on the deck of MSC World Asia, the new flagship of MSC Cruises, at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The stainless steel sculpture, finished in pearlescent white, is suspended 10 meters above the ship's Outdoor World Promenade. It incorporates nearly 700 mirrors, approximately 400 meters of strip lighting, and over 3,000 LED light points, creating a shimmering effect by day and a glowing presence by night. The dragon is intended to serve as a distinctive icon for the ship, blending European design with Asian cultural influences, as the dragon is a symbol of strength, fortune, protection, and power in East Asian traditions. Marco Balich, Chairman of Balich Wonder Studio, described the dragon as an 'icon' that merges creativity, craftsmanship, and technology. The installation marks a milestone as MSC World Asia prepares for its debut in the Mediterranean on December 4, 2026, with seven-night cruises visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina, and Valletta. The ship will be the third in MSC Cruises' World class and will feature international dining, entertainment, and family-oriented amenities. The dragon is expected to become a popular photo opportunity and a talking point for passengers.