Explora Journeys Celebrates the Launch of EXPLORA IV at Palermo Shipyard

Explora Journeys has celebrated a key milestone in the construction of its upcoming luxury cruise ship, EXPLORA IV, with the successful launch of the troncone (the forward lower section) at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Palermo, Sicily. This event, attended by over 350 stakeholders, marks the transition of this major ship section from land to water, a significant step in the shipbuilding process.

EXPLORA IV is slated for delivery in 2027, following which its outfitted bow section will be transferred to Fincantieri’s facility near Genoa for final assembly. The launch is a testament to the progress of Explora Journeys’ ambitious fleet program, which consists of six luxury ships set for delivery by 2028.

The new vessels are being constructed to high standards of performance, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort, featuring advanced technologies and Italian craftsmanship. The entire fleet, including EXPLORA III through EXPLORA VI, will operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG), aligning with the company’s sustainability goals within the luxury cruise market.

The MSC Group’s Cruise Division is investing more than EUR 3.5 billion into this fleet, with an estimated economic impact of over EUR 15 billion on Italy, creating substantial industrial activity and jobs within the shipbuilding sector. Each vessel requires approximately 7 million hours of labor, supported by a workforce of around 2,500 individuals over two to three years of construction.

The inaugural ship, EXPLORA I, commenced operations on August 1, 2023, followed by EXPLORA II on September 12, 2024. EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV are expected to enter service in 2026 and 2027, respectively, with the final two, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, coming in 2027 and 2028.

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