The float-out ceremony was held for the new luxury ship Explora IV, the coin ceremony was held for Explora V, and the first steel cutting was held for Explora VI

Genoa — A triple ceremony for Explora Journeys (MSC) was held at the shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, where the float-out ceremony was held for the new luxury ship Explora IV, the coin ceremony was held for Explora V, and the first steel cutting was held for Explora VI. These three ships are part of a €3.5 billion order for six sister ships and represent the last three orders signed by the MSC Cruises group with Fincantieri.

The third event is the triple ceremony for Explora Journeys.

This event signifies the third triple ceremony for Explora Journeys in a mere 18 months, thereby reflecting the rapid rate at which the brand's six-ship fleet is being realized. Two ships are already sailing at full capacity, and EXPLORA III is on track for delivery in July 2026. Four more vessels are under construction at Fincantieri’s Genoa shipyard.

By 2028, the company will have launched six ultra-luxury ships.

This achievement further solidifies Explora Journeys’ unwavering momentum and commitment to launching six ultra-luxury ships by 2028. For the first time, the entire fleet of Explora Journeys ships is at different stages of development, reflecting the brand’s ability to swiftly deliver its ambitious vision. Each ship is an emblem of Italian shipbuilding, showcasing design innovations and technological advancements that redefine excellence at sea while generating substantial economic and employment benefits for Italy

Increasing production capacity at Fincantieri.  

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero commented on the rush by shipping companies to secure construction slots at Italian shipyards. “Our business involves both overcapacity and undercapacity. Like all investment businesses, investments have a cycle. What we are experiencing is a very deep cycle; therefore, it is a supercycle—a very structural macro trend. There is a severe and prolonged mismatch between supply and demand for newbuildings. This is why Fincantieri's industrial plan includes an increase in production capacity in all sectors to accommodate shipowners and increase the number of slots. Our industrial plan is designed to address this imbalance by increasing production capacity."

Related : Fincantieri delivers the first ship for Four Seasons Yachts in Ancona.

Fincantieri's recent flood of orders

Fincantieri's recent flood of orders has forced MSC Cruises to look elsewhere. First, MSC Cruises sounded out Meyer Turku in Finland. Then, MSC Cruises recently signed an order with Meyer Werft in Germany for four plus two ships, each weighing 180,000 gross tons. Fincantieri can now boast a work horizon until at least 2036.

Construction with Fincantieri is set to finish in 2027 and 2028.

Meanwhile, MSC will enjoy the final three luxury ships being built for the Explora Journeys brand in the Ligurian capital. The fourth ship, Explora III, is currently undergoing sea trials and is on track for delivery in July. Explora IV and Explora V will set sail in 2027 and 2028, respectively, thus completing the construction program with Fincantieri.

A defining moment 

Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, said: "For the first time, all six of our ships are either in service or under construction — a defining moment as we bring the 'Ocean State of Mind' to life on an even greater scale."Nash continued: "These ships bring to life the vision of the Aponte-Vago family, offering an experience where the ocean itself becomes the destination, inviting well-being, discovery, and a deeper connection with the sea."She also observed that: "As our fleet grows, we are introducing more discerning guests to a new expression of luxury ocean travel — one that stands in a category of its own and challenges the idea that luxury must be land-based, instead finding its home on the horizon."

Explora VI

Explora VI is at the forefront of design, naval technology, and sustainability. All ships currently under construction will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel that can significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. Explora VI will also feature fuel cells, an innovative technology that enables more efficient energy production by converting LNG into hydrogen. Fuel cells also allow for the use of LNG from renewable sources. Additionally, these vessels are all equipped with cold ironing systems that allow them to connect to the electricity grid at the dock, thus eliminating emissions while in port.

Related :MSC and Costa hold 40% of Mediterranean cruises

Source : Italy Media

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