- First LNG-Powered Luxury Ship: Explora III marks Explora Journeys’ transition to liquefied natural gas, drastically lowering emissions compared to traditional marine fuels.
- Expanded Design and Amenities: The vessel is 19.2 meters longer than previous fleet members, offering enlarged suites, new dining venues, and upgraded wellness spaces.
- Environmental Certifications: The ship earned RINA Green Plus, Polar Code C, and Dolphin notations for reduced noise pollution in ecologically sensitive marine areas.
- Future Fleet Milestones: Fincantieri is constructing three additional sister vessels scheduled through 2028, with future ships incorporating hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has officially delivered Explora III, the luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys’ first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vessel. Built at the Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, the delivery marks a major milestone for MSC Group’s luxury brand as it reaches the halfway point of its planned six-ship fleet rollout. Explora III joins its sister ships in redefining high-end ocean travel through Italian craftsmanship, innovative design, and sustainable technology.
Designed to deliver an enhanced sense of space and comfort, Explora III is 19.2 meters longer than its predecessors, accommodating extra owner residences and penthouses, new culinary venues, and expanded ocean wellness facilities. The ship’s advanced environmental features represent a progressive step forward for eco-conscious cruising. Powered by cleaner-burning LNG, the vessel reduces sulfur oxide emissions by 99 percent, nitrogen oxide by 85 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent compared to traditional marine fuels. Additionally, Explora III is engineered to operate on bio-LNG, synthetic LNG, and biofuels while featuring shore-power connection capabilities to eliminate berth emissions.
The vessel has earned prestigious environmental and design certifications from RINA, including the Green Plus notation, Polar Code C rating for polar voyages, and the Dolphin notation for minimizing underwater noise in marine ecosystems. Explora III is set to embark on inaugural journeys across Northern Europe, Greenland, and North America before introducing Explora Journeys’ first Alaska itineraries in 2027. Fincantieri continues construction on Explora IV, Explora V, and Explora VI, which will debut in 2027 and 2028 equipped with zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells.