Fincantieri Delivers LNG-Powered Luxury Cruise Ship Explora III

The Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri has delivered its latest luxury cruise ship, Explora III. The vessel was built for Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, and is the first in the series to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Explora III's delivery marks an important milestone in the development of the Explora Journeys fleet, which has now reached the halfway point of its planned growth. The vessel is designed to high environmental standards and features advanced technologies such as shore power connectivity, enabling engines to be switched off and reducing emissions to virtually zero while in port.

The use of LNG as a fuel reduces sulphur oxide emissions by 99%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 85%, particulate matter emissions by 98% compared with conventional marine fuels. Explora V and Explora VI will additionally feature fuel cells, an innovative technology capable of generating energy more efficiently and supporting the industry's pathway towards net-zero emissions.

Liguria plays a central role in Fincantieri's industrial ecosystem, representing one of the leading hubs of Italian shipbuilding. The Sestri Ponente shipyard has delivered 18 vessels since 2003 and currently has an orderbook extending through to 2037. Explora III demonstrates Fincantieri's ability to drive the transformation of shipbuilding through innovation, sustainability, and the adoption of new technologies.