Fincantieri launches bow section of LNG-powered Explora V at Palermo yard

Thu 7 May 2026, 06:09 GMT | Updated: Thu 7 May 2026, 06:12 GMT | Bunker Index Staff

Fincantieri launches bow section of LNG-powered Explora V at Palermo yard

Fifth ship in Explora Journeys’ six-vessel series is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard has launched the bow section of Explora V, an LNG-powered cruise ship for MSC Group’s luxury travel brand. Pictured: Bow of the Explora V vessel. Image credit: Fincantieri

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched the bow section of Explora V at its Palermo facility, marking progress on the fifth of six luxury vessels being constructed for Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group’s Cruise Division.

The vessel, scheduled to enter service in 2027, will be powered by LNG.

Fincantieri said it is committed, alongside Explora Journeys, to building increasingly innovative ships with greater attention to the environment and energy consumption.

Last month, Fincantieri signed an agreement with Princess Cruises for the construction of three new LNG-fuelled Voyager-class cruise ships. The vessels are to be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard in Italy, with deliveries scheduled for 2035, 2038 and 2039.

Cruise ship Launch LNG Newbuild Newbuild construction Italy Palermo (IT)


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