MSC Group has confirmed the order for two hydrogen-powered ships for its luxury Explora Journeys brand with Fincantieri, confirming its commitment to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, through research into new environmental technologies.
Ships that will benefit from alternative fuels
“EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will be able to have new energy efficiency solutions. They will be able to use alternative fuels such as biosynthetic gas and methanol. The Cruise division will work with Fincantieri to assess the possibility of equipping both ships with the latest battery technology, as well as a range of potential technologies including carbon capture and more advanced waste management systems. The two confirmed acquisitions of the Explora Journeys fleet will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.”
LNG will play an important role in maritime transport
LNG is one of the cleanest marine fuels in the world, currently widely available, and is set to play a key role in the transition to decarbonization of international shipping. It significantly reduces emissions of local air pollutants, with a reduction of sulfur oxides by up to 99% and nitrogen oxides by up to 85%. LNG also plays a key role in mitigating climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%. Further environmental benefits are expected when synthetic LNG becomes widely available.
Explora Journeys’ first ship, EXPLORA I, was delivered by Fincantieri in July 2023 and is currently operating in Northern Europe.
The ship will spend the fall in North America and the winter in the Caribbean Sea. In spring 2024, she will sail off the west coast of the United States and Hawaii, before returning to Europe in summer 2024 for a series of voyages in the Mediterranean Sea.
EXPLORA II will enter service in summer 2024
It will be located until April 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa, visiting 82 ports in 26 countries. EXPLORA II “hit the water” for the first time on September 6, 2023, with a “floating” ceremony near Genoa.
EXPLORA III will enter service in summer 2026
Construction of the LNG-powered vessel began on September 6, 2023 with a sheet metal cutting ceremony. Construction of the LNG-powered EXPLORA IV will begin in January 2024 and be completed in early 2027.
The six ships in the Explora Journeys fleet will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies
The group specifies that the latest selective catalytic reduction technology will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, they will be equipped with plug-in connectivity for landing. will reduce emissions in the port and will be equipped with underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life.
All six vessels will also be equipped with a full range of energy-efficient onboard equipment to optimize engine utilization and further reduce emissions.
Each ship will accommodate 750 guests and will feature 461 suites with private balconies.
