Fincantieri takes construction of LNG-powered Explora fleet to the next stage

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has reached a new chapter in the construction of LNG-powered ships for Explora Journeys, the cruise division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

MSC has commissioned Fincantieri to build a total of six environmentally-friendly cruise ships for Explora Journeys by 2028, an investment worth around €3.5 billion. The first two units, Explora I and Explora II, are already in service, with construction of the remaining vessels progressing on schedule.

On July 14, 2025, three new construction milestones were celebrated at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, including the launch of Explora III, the coin ceremony for Explora IV, and the steel-cutting ceremony for Explora V.

Explora III will be christened next year, Explora IV and Explora V are scheduled for delivery in 2027, while Explora VI is to take to the sea in 2028.

Explora III is the first ship in the Explora fleet to be powered by LNG, followed by the remaining four units, which will also be equipped to use renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.

Going a step forward, Explora V and Explora VI will be able to use next-generation fuel cells, which convert LNG into hydrogen,