A major triple milestone for Fincantieri and Explora Journeys was celebrated at the Sestri Ponente shipyard. The global leader in highly complex shipbuilding and the ultra-elegant European luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, marked the launch of Explora IV, the coin ceremony of Explora V, and the start of construction of Explora VI.
The number of ships that Fincantieri is building simultaneously for Explora Journeys has now risen to four: Explora III, which is currently undergoing sea trials and scheduled for delivery in July; Explora IV and Explora V, both set to enter service in 2027; and Explora VI, which will enter service in 2028, completing the six-vessel fleet entirely entrusted to Fincantieri.
The first two ships, Explora I and Explora II, are already in service and, thanks to global itineraries, exclusive destinations and unique, seamless onboard experiences, are enjoying growing success across markets worldwide. They have quickly become a benchmark for the entire sector by offering a refined, innovative and distinctive travel experience.
The godmothers of the Explora V coin ceremony were Serena Melani, Captain of Explora ships, and Alice Gallo, a Fincantieri employee at the Sestri Ponente shipyard, who placed two commemorative coins inside the hull as a traditional gesture of good fortune. Cristina Bacigalupo, also a Fincantieri employee at the Sestri Ponente shipyard, served as godmother for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the technical launch of Explora IV.
Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region, stated: “The shipping industry is one of the key pillars of our regional economy. Liguria strongly believes in the Blue Economy: shipbuilding was fundamental to the Republic of Genoa centuries ago, it remains so today, as it will continue in the future. The fact that some of the most complex vessels—those requiring highly skilled craftsmanship—are being built here in Sestri Ponente confirms the strength of our competencies and encourages us to continue raising the bar. It shows that in Liguria we have the expertise and professionalism needed to deliver top‑tier industrial achievements. We must also remember that a new shipyard is being built in Sestri Ponente. The site is expanding and several major works are underway; once completed, these will generate significant economic and employment benefits for the entire region. It is essential for all the institutions to work together towards this shared goal. This investment – worth more than €450 million – will deliver a milestone achievement for Sestri Ponente, for Fincantieri, for the city of Genoa and for our entire community.”
Silvia Salis, Mayor Genoa, said: “The Explora Journeys program demonstrates how collaboration between major industrial players such as Fincantieri and the MSC Group can generate innovation, highly skilled employment and new development opportunities. Investments of this scale reinforce Genoa’s role as a place where industry, research and training can grow together.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, stated:
“With two vessels already in operation, a third arriving in early August and the remaining three under construction simultaneously, the entire Explora fleet is, for the first time, already “present” with the industrial plan well on track to be fully realized in a short timeframe.”
For the construction of the six Explora Journeys ships, the MSC Group invested approximately €3.5 billion, generating significant economic and employment benefits for the country. Taking into account the four ships previously ordered and delivered by Fincantieri – MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape – the MSC Group’s total investment rises to around €7 billion.
At the forefront of design, naval technology and sustainability, all ships currently under construction will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel capable of significantly reducing emissions compared with traditional marine fuels. The use of LNG substantially reduces emissions of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Explora VI will additionally be equipped with fuel cells, an innovative technology enabling even more efficient energy production by converting LNG into hydrogen, and allowing the use of LNG from renewable sources.
All vessels are also equipped with a “cold ironing” system, allowing them to connect to the shore power grid while in port and eliminate emissions during port stays.
