MSC and Fincantieri announce construction of hydrogen-powered vessels
With the newbuildings Explora's fleet increases to six vessels (Source: Explora Journeys)
Italian yard Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of an additional two hydrogen-/LNG-powered luxury cruise ships with Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand of the MSC Group.
The order will take the Explora fleet number from four to six vessels. The vessels under the MOA, named Explora V and Explora VI, will feature a new generation of LNG engines that will tackle the issue of methane slip and will also be equipped with industry-first environmental technologies and solutions, including a containment system for liquid hydrogen that will enable them to use the low-carbon fuel. Hydrogen fuel will power a 6-MW fuel cell to produce emission-free power for the hotel operation and allow the vessels to run on zero emissions in port, with the engines turned off.
The two new builds are planned to come into service in 2027 and 2028.
Explora Journeys also said the previously announced orders for the cruise vessels Explora III and Explora IV will now involve ships powered by LNG. The two ships will be enlarged by 19m to enable the installation of a new-generation system based on LNG and hydrogen.
