With the most recent order, Explora Journeys’ fleet will grow from four to six ships as reported by Ship Technology.
New engines
In order to build two more hydrogen-fueled cruise ships, Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has inked an MOA with luxury travel company Explora Journeys, part of MSC Group’s Cruise Division.
With the most recent contract, Explora Journeys’ fleet will grow from four to six ships, costing the company a total of €3.5 billion.
This includes an additional €120 million for the installation of LNG engines on the EXPLORA III and IV ships.
To address the problem of methane slide, new generation LNG engines will also be installed aboard EXPLORA V and VI.
Biggest challenge
The vessels will feature environmental technologies and solutions, including a containment system for liquid hydrogen that will facilitate its use as a low-carbon fuel.
With the engines turned off, it will enable the vessels to operate on ‘zero emissions’ in port.
These two new cruise ships are expected to be operational in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
MSC Group Cruise Division executive-chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “This transition to zero-emissions operations for the maritime industry is the biggest challenge that we will ever face, and this will only be achieved by everyone playing their part – by investing in research and development and through significant investment both by companies but also governments.”
In May, Fincantieri floated out the first cruise ship, called Explora I, for Explora Journeys.
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Source: Ship Technology
