SINGAPORE, 6 November 2026: The float-out of EXPLORA V and the coin ceremony for EXPLORA VI at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa last week marked two further milestones toward completing Explora Journeys’ six-ship fleet in 2028.
Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, marked two important milestones in building its fleet at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The double ceremony celebrated the float-out of EXPLORA V and the coin ceremony for EXPLORA VI, the brand’s fifth and sixth ships.
Following the delivery of EXPLORA III in July 2026, construction continues on the remaining ships. EXPLORA IV is scheduled to enter service in spring 2027, followed by EXPLORA V towards the end of the year. EXPLORA VI is expected to enter service in summer 2028, completing the brand’s six-ship fleet.
The ceremonies brought together representatives of national and local institutions, maritime authorities and the wider maritime industry, alongside Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division.
Advancing marine technology
All Explora Journeys ships are equipped for shore power connectivity, enabling them to connect to local electricity grids while in port and switch off their engines, eliminating direct emissions from onboard power generation during connection.
EXPLORA III was the fleet’s first LNG-powered ship. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will also be powered by LNG and are designed to use renewable and next-generation fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and biofuels. EXPLORA VI will also feature fuel cell technology to support more efficient energy generation, while EXPLORA V is being designed to accommodate this technology in the future.
These developments support the MSC Group’s long-term energy transition strategy by combining advanced marine technologies with the increasing use of lower-emission and renewable fuels.
(Source: Explora Journeys)
