Explora Journeys Takes Delivery of First LNG-Powered Cruise Ship

Explora Journeys, MSC Group's ocean luxury brand, has taken delivery of Explora III, its largest and first LNG-fuelled cruise ship, from Fincantieri's shipyard in Genoa. The vessel is the third of six 900-passenger ships under a newbuilding programme worth more than 3.5 billion euros. Marking a switch to dual-fuel propulsion that will carry through the remaining ships, Explora III offers fuel flexibility for future renewable LNG while supporting MSC's commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

 

Delivery of Explora III

 

The handover marks a significant milestone for the luxury brand. Explora Journeys has taken delivery of Explora III from Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa. The vessel is the company's largest and first LNG-fuelled cruise ship. Senior figures from both MSC Group and Fincantieri attended the delivery ceremony. Maya Aponte served as the ship's godmother, breaking the traditional bottle of champagne on the hull.

The ship represents the latest phase in an ambitious fleet build-out. It is the third of six 900-passenger cruise ships under the newbuilding programme. That programme carries a value of more than 3.5 billion euros. It marks the next stage in the Aponte family's development of its luxury travel brand. The brand itself is five years old and continues to expand its fleet.

 

A Larger, Reconfigured Vessel

 

Explora III is notably larger than its earlier sister ships. While it carries approximately the same 900-passenger capacity, its dimensions differ. The vessel is one metre wider and 20 metres longer than Explora I and Explora II. This additional size creates more room for dining options and guest comforts. It allows the ship to offer an expanded range of onboard experiences.

The extra space translates into new and enhanced facilities. The ship features a second Owner's Residence designed by architect Patricia Urquiola. It also offers an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. Reimagined wellness facilities bring spa and fitness together in a single space. Total public space rises to 17,570 square metres, compared with 16,800 on the earlier ships.

 

The Switch to LNG Propulsion

 

The engine room marks the most significant change from earlier vessels. Explora III is equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines. This represents a switch from the first two ships in the class. The change will be carried through the remaining four ships in the programme. This establishes LNG as the standard for the newer vessels.

The dual-fuel configuration offers flexibility for future cleaner fuels. It allows the ship to transition to bioLNG and synthetic LNG when available at commercial scale. This flexibility underpins MSC's wider commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Operating on fossil LNG already reduces sulphur oxides by 99 percent and nitrogen oxides by 85 percent. It also cuts particulate matter by 98 percent and carbon dioxide by between 14 and 21 percent.

 

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Sustainability Credentials

 

The vessel incorporates additional features to limit its environmental footprint. A shore power connection system allows zero emissions while berthed in port. This lets the vessel switch off its auxiliary engines and draw electricity from the grid. This capability addresses emissions in port areas where air quality is a concern. It complements the fuel-related reductions achieved at sea.

The ship's environmental performance is recognised through several voluntary notations. RINA has awarded it the Green Plus notation for high environmental performance. It also holds a Comfort Noise and Vibration notation for low onboard noise levels. Its low underwater radiated noise earns a Dolphin notation. The vessel is further certified to Polar Code C, allowing it to sail in polar regions.

 

Future Vessels and Technology

 

The programme will push sustainability technology further in later ships. The final two vessels, Explora V and Explora VI, will incorporate fuel cell capability. This would make net-zero emissions possible while the ships are under way. This represents a significant step beyond the LNG propulsion of the current vessels. It reflects a progressive escalation of environmental technology across the programme.

The technology draws on capabilities within the Fincantieri group. Its subsidiary Isotta Fraschini produced its first liquefied hydrogen fuel cells this year. That technology was incorporated in the cruise ship Viking Libra. Fincantieri has begun construction on the last three ships in the series. Deliveries are set for 2027 and 2028, with Explora III beginning its inaugural season across Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.