Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard and MSC Group company Explora Journeys have celebrated a triple event, with the launch of cruise ship ‘Explora IV’, the coin ceremony of ‘Explora V’, and the start of construction of ‘Explora VI’.
The number of ships that Fincantieri is building simultaneously for Explora Journeys has now risen to four: Explora III, which is currently undergoing sea trials and scheduled for delivery in July; Explora IV and Explora V, both set to enter service in 2027; and Explora VI, which will enter service in 2028, completing the six-vessel fleet entirely entrusted to Fincantieri. The first two ships, Explora I and Explora II, are already in service.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri CEO and MD, said: “We are pleased to contribute to the success of Italian luxury at sea alongside MSC and Explora. This triple ceremony also demonstrates Fincantieri’s ability to carry forward complex industrial programmes with continuity, quality and strong technological vision — a capability that will lead, for example, to the adoption of a highly innovative fuel‑cell propulsion system on Explora VI. The cruise ship segment is one of the pillars of our Group’s Industrial Plan and continues to offer solid long‑term structural growth prospects. In this context, the Sestri Ponente shipyard plays a strategic role in advancing our industrial capabilities in the cruise sector and in strengthening Fincantieri’s global leadership in a technologically sophisticated and rapidly growing industry.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group Cruise Division, added: “Today we celebrate a very important milestone in the growth journey of Explora Journeys, our brand dedicated to luxury ocean travel. With two vessels already in operation, a third arriving in early August and the remaining three under construction simultaneously, the entire Explora fleet is, for the first time, already ‘present’ with the industrial plan well on track to be fully realised in a short timeframe. We are proud, that, in just a few years and starting from scratch, we have succeeded in building a successful new brand that is profoundly innovating the concept of luxury thanks to an exclusive platform of state-of-the-art ships, refined onboard services and global itineraries offering a sea and hospitality experience unlike any other holiday model.”
For the construction of the six Explora Journeys ships, the MSC Group invested approximately €3.5bn, generating significant economic and employment benefits for the country. Taking into account the four ships previously ordered and delivered by Fincantieri – MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape – the MSC Group’s total investment rises to around €7 billion.
All ships currently under construction will be powered by liquefied LNG, capable of significantly reducing emissions compared with traditional marine fuels. The use of LNG substantially reduces emissions of SOx, NOx and CO2. Explora VI will additionally be equipped with fuel cells, enabling even more efficient energy production by converting LNG into hydrogen, and allowing the use of LNG from renewable sources.
All vessels are also equipped with a ‘cold ironing’ system, allowing them to connect to the shore power grid while in port and eliminate emissions during port stays.
Image: Explora Cruises vessel (source: MSC Group)
