Cruise ship MSC EXPLORA 1
The Cruise division of MSC, known as Explora Cruises, has placed an order for two luxury cruise ships equipped with cutting-edge fuel cell technology at the Fincantieri Shipyard. These two state-of-the-art vessels, Explora V and Explora VI, are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.
This order represents an expansion of a prior ongoing order of 4 ships. With the new order of two additional ships, the total investment has reached a staggering $3.74 billion.
The inaugural vessel of this series, the EXPLORA I, was delivered by Fincantieri in July 2023. Notably, the momentous floating-out ceremony for Explora II and the steel cutting for Explora III took place simultaneously on September 6th in Genoa, Italy.
The Explora V and Explora VI will boast a range of energy-efficient features. Specifically, fuel cells are being integrated to support onboard hotel operations while the ships are docked, allowing them to power down their engines and eliminate emissions during port calls. In addition, these ships will be able to utilize alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic LNG and methanol. Furthermore, they will be equipped with a next-generation LNG engine, which, through advanced containment systems, will reduce methane emissions significantly.
MSC has also stated that they will work closely with Fincantieri to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, such as carbon capture and advanced waste management systems, into their fleet of ships.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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