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MSC orders two hydrogen-powered ships for Explora Journeys

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 September 2023 21 September 2023

The Cruise Division of MSC Group today confirmed firm orders for two hydrogen-powered vessels for its luxury travel brand Explora Journeys with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and pledged to continue its push towards a net zero-carbon emissions target by 2050 by investigating additional new and advanced environmental technologies for the luxury ships. The deal completes a total investment of €3.5 billion in six luxury ships for Explora Journeys. The contracts are subject to access to financing as per industry practice.

EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will have new state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures and will also be capable of using alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic gas and methanol and the Cruise Division will work in the future with Fincantieri to equip the ships with future technologies including carbon capture, and more advanced waste management systems. The two confirmed additions to Explora Journeys’ fleet will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman - Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “With Explora Journeys we have created a luxury brand that has been successful at redefining luxury at sea. We are seeing continued growth in the luxury segment and the investment in these two new ships shows our commitment to continue to grow within this sector as well as to invest in ships of the future. Together with Fincantieri we will study the newest technology that the world has to offer and continue with our commitment to introduce these technologies to drive efficiencies across the whole spectrum of ship performance. And of course we will continue to deliver the very best luxury travel experience, immersing our guests in the ocean state of mind with an sustainable soul.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer, Fincantieri, said “This new contract with MSC is a sign of the growing vitality of the cruise sector, in line with what we had predicted. In strategic terms, our future will depend on our ability to lead the evolution of the sector towards all energy and digital transition technologies with the entrepreneurship required to validate, industrialise and commercialise new solutions. The relevance of the partnership with MSC in this sense is a great strategic stimulus towards the future in line with the technological development goals set out in our new business plan. We are therefore particularly proud that the Explora project will mark the acceleration of this new phase, which with the fifth and sixth ships, will reach the highest level of advancement, making Fincantieri's vision of the ship of the future ever more concrete.”

The two new ships will pursue the use of liquid hydrogen with fuel cells for their hotel operations while docked in ports to eliminate carbon emissions with the vessels’ engines switched off. The ships will also feature a new generation of LNG engines that will further tackle the issue of methane slip with the use of containment systems.

LNG is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels currently available at scale and is set to play a key role in the transition to the decarbonisation of international shipping. It substantially reduces local air pollutant emissions with sulphur oxides falling by up to 99 per cent and nitrogen oxides decreasing by up to 85 per cent. LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it offers up to a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Further environmental benefits are expected following the availability at scale of synthetic LNG.

Explora Journeys’ first ship, EXPLORA I was delivered by Fincantieri in July 2023 and is currently operating in Northern Europe. The ship will spend the autumn in North America, and the winter in the Caribbean Sea. She will sail during the spring 2024 off the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in summer 2024 for a series of journeys in the Mediterranean Sea

EXPLORA II will enter service in summer 2024 and operate until April 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa visiting 82 ports in 26 countries. EXPLORA II first ‘touched water’ on 6 September 2023 at a ‘float out’ ceremony near Genoa in Italy.

EXPLORA III will enter service in summer 2026 and construction of the LNG-powered vessel started on 6 September 2023 with a steel-cutting ceremony. Construction of LNG-powered EXPLORA IV will begin in January 2024 and will be completed in early 2027.

All six ships in Explora Journeys’ fleet will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies and will also feature the latest selective catalytic reduction technology to enable a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 per cent, be equipped with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce emissions in port and fitted with underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life.

All six vessels will also have a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions.

Royal Caribbean Group completes successful biofuel testing

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 September 2023 20 September 2023

This week, Royal Caribbean Group laid important groundwork for the industry’s alternative fuel ambitions by completing over 12 consecutive weeks of biofuel testing in Europe. The company’s steadfast pursuit to find lower-carbon energy solutions is driven by its SEA the Future commitment to sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation. By introducing methods that reduce emissions today, Royal Caribbean Group is ultimately advancing the decarbonization of its operations.

“This is a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group’s alternative fuel journey,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Following our successful trial of biofuels this summer, we are one step closer to bringing our vision for net-zero cruising to life. As we strive to protect and promote the vibrant oceans we sail, we are determined to accelerate innovation and improve how we deliver vacation experiences responsibly.”

On September 19th, in Barcelona, Spain, Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas became the first ship in the maritime industry to successfully test and use a biofuel blend to meet part of her fuel needs. The company confirmed onboard technical systems met operational standards, without quality or safety concerns, demonstrating the biofuel blend is a reliable “drop in” supply of lower emission energy that ships can use to set sail across Europe and beyond. The tests across Europe also provided valuable data to understand the availability and scalability of biofuel in the region.

“Royal Caribbean’s success is a clear example of how commitment to innovation makes possible the development of solutions to decarbonise the maritime sector. In this case, it involves the cruise sector and focuses on biofuels, an area in which the Port of Barcelona is already working to become an energy hub, producing and supplying zero carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen and ammonia, and of other almost zero-carbon alternative fuels, such as methanol, biofuels or synthetic fuels. Innovation and collaboration between ports and shipping companies is key to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport,” said the President of the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó.

The company began testing biofuels last year and expanded the trail this summer in Europe to two additional ships — Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex. The sustainable biofuel blends tested were produced by purifying renewable raw materials like waste oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil to create an alternative fuel that is cleaner and more sustainable. The biofuel blends tested are accredited by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognized organization that ensures sustainability of biofuels and verifies reductions of related emissions.

With Symphony of the Seas departing from the Port of Barcelona and Celebrity Apex departing from the Port of Rotterdam, both ships accomplished multiple sailings using biofuel and contributed critical data on the fuel’s capabilities. These results will help accelerate Royal Caribbean Group’s plans to continue testing the use of different types of biofuels on upcoming European sailings this fall. The company is exploring strategic partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure the availability of biofuel and infrastructures to advance the maritime energy transition.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas floated out in France

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 September 2023 19 September 2023

It was a big weekend for the world’s biggest weekend: Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas is now one step closer to its debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in July 2024. The last Oasis-class ship floated for the first time over the weekend, marking a major milestone and the next phase of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Known as the float out, the key moment in the construction of Utopia took 17 months to reach. The process itself took nearly 15 hours, beginning with filling the new ship’s dry dock with more than 46 million gallons of water overnight. Utopia was then moved into an outfitting dock, where it will be completed in summer 2024. Since construction on the next Oasis-class ship started in April 2022, the new vacation has taken shape with more than 74 blocks of steel that have been lifted and assembled into place. Utopia will now begin to come to life as its highly anticipated features are installed, from the longest dry slide at sea – the 295-foot-long Ultimate Abyss – to a first-of-its-kind immersive train car dining experience.

Utopia will introduce unmatched weekend energy across a combination of more than 40 ways to dine and drink, more pools than the days to count, thrills, ways to chill and more. Friends and families celebrating any occasion can create their ultimate weekend and memories with their pick and mix of new signature adventures and reimagined experiences, like newly designed resort-style pools, a new Caribbean tiki bar – the Pesky Parrot – a reimagined Izumi restaurant, now in Central Park, with a new convenient pick-up window for fresh sushi and Japanese street food, and al fresco dining; and showstopping nightlife and entertainment.

The ultimate 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaway will be the first in the revolutionary Oasis Class to offer short escapes when it debuts in July 2024. Every vacation will feature visits to Nassau, The Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island – that will feature its first adults-only slice of paradise, Hideaway Beach, starting in January 2024.

Utopia will also make waves when it debuts in July 2024 as the first Oasis-class ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest-burning marine fuel to date. As the cruise line’s second LNG-powered ship – following Icon of the Seas – Utopia will advance Royal Caribbean’s decades-long commitment to the environment by combining LNG technology with a lineup of the brand’s already-established environmentally friendly initiatives and features, from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection.

Windstar Cruises announces deployment through winter 2025/2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 September 2023 14 September 2023

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has released its sailing schedule through winter of 2025/26, with several deployment moves for its fleet of six ships. Most notable are new season-long sailings in the Canary Islands, first-ever Cruise Tours in the Middle East, two new Cruise Tours in Tahiti, and the return of one epic voyage throughout the entire Caribbean.

An Early Booking Offer accompanies the news, including a free upgrade to All-Inclusive Fares + $100 per guest onboard credit when booked by November 6. (The upgrade to the All-Inclusive Fare includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and all gratuities – a value of $99 per guest, per day.) These opening fares are the best values Windstar will offer on these departures.

In addition, Windstar is rolling out a newly formalized onboard cruise promotion across the fleet (and without any pesky expiration dates). Guests who are sailing on Windstar may work with the line's Onboard Cruise Consultant to book their next cruise while on their current one, and the savings is significant: a 10 percent discount that can be combined with other Windstar offers excluding industry, vendor, corporate, and groups rates, as well as Windstar's Formula One/Grand Prix themed sailings. In addition, guests booking with the Onboard Cruise Consultant receive $100 per person shipboard credit and can enjoy reduced deposits on a tier-based system, depending on the value of the cruise. With onboard cruise bookings, the guests’ travel advisor receives their usual commission. Note: they MUST be booked while sailing/on board for the offer, meaning guests sailing for the remainder of 2023 can book on board for 2025/26 cruises to save even more.

Here are Windstar’s latest/most newsworthy deployment updates:

Canary Islands in winter

Windstar previously announced several new cruises in the Canary Islands beginning in 2024; however, the 148-guest Wind Star yacht now will sail the Canary Islands consistently from November 2025 through March 2026.

The move will provide ample opportunities to enjoy warm weather and sun in a location infused with African and European culture, as well as chances to take advantage of quick flights from London to escape gray skies and cold weather with ease.

Middle East – newly added cruise tours for 2024 and 2025

Windstar is introducing its guests to the Middle East with first-ever itineraries beginning November 2023 on all-suite, 312-guest Star Legend, taking guests to sites from world religions to Egyptian temples, Bedouin villages, and extravagant cities that have risen from the desert over the past few decades.

Sail dates are now listed into spring of 2025, with more than a dozen itineraries to choose from including Cruise Tours that combine a land tour with the cruise. Brand-new options are Cruise Tours for both Dubai and Muscat in 2024 and 2025, with included experiences like a star-lit local feast and belly dancing at the Al Hadeerah Resort, as well as ample time for exploring historic neighborhoods, spending time in museums, or delving further into Bedouin traditions.

Tahiti

Windstar has created two new cruise tour options in French Polynesia, where the line has sailed for more than 35 years and is the small ship expert.

The new Tahiti & Moorea Foodie Cruise Tour is a three-day extension to Windstar’s seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise, with three nights in a garden bungalow at the Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea; a half-day Moorea food adventure including locally-produced liquor and juice tastings, traditional Ma’a tinito (a Tahitian twist on Chinese food), and stops at exemplary roadside stands; a full day Moorea snorkeling tour of Cook and Opunohu bays with lunch and cultural demonstrations; and transfers.

Overwater Bungalow & Tahitian Paradises Cruise Tour is a romance-filled three-day extension to Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti cruise featuring accommodations in an overwater bungalow at a four-star resort including three nights at the Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea, a breakfast delivered to the bungalow via canoe, a romantic beach dinner, a half day private car tour, and all transfers.

In addition, starting in February of 2024, Windstar will move the all-suite, 312-passenger Star Breeze to sail in Tahiti year-round, replacing 148-passenger classic sailing yacht Wind Spirit as Windstar’s vessel of choice in French Polynesia. Windstar also recently announced new cruises to the remote Marquesas Islands beginning in 2024.

Caribbean

Windstar is bringing back its Grand Caribbean Adventure, which returns in a revised fashion with new ports on board Windstar’s flagship Wind Surf. The cruise includes a partial transit of the Panama Canal, a new port in Scarborough (Trinidad and Tobago) as well as Saint Peirre (Martinique), plus the addition of Grand Cayman. The 55-day sailing has overnights in Jost Van Dyke, St. Barts, and Virgin Gorda, and spends just nine days at sea. More of Windstar’s Grand Adventures here.

On Windstar’s San Juan & the Virgin Islands sailings, Windstar has replaced Montserrat with St. Kitts, as well as replaced St. Thomas with the lusher and smaller St. John.

On Windward Islands Surf & Sunsets, Windstar has replaced the port of Philipsburg with Marigot on St. Martin.

American Maritime Forum in Miami is bringing the maritime industry together

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 September 2023 14 September 2023

The American Maritime Forum that will be held in Miami Beach Convention Center on October 24th and 25th is a conference that fosters dialogue and collaboration among industry leaders, government officials, and experts in maritime industry. Considering the location - the event will of course have a significant focus on the challenges and opportunities for the cruise industry.

One of the central themes of the forum is sustainability. With increasing concerns about environmental impact, the maritime industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Speakers at the forum are going to discuss innovative technologies, such as emission-reducing systems and alternative fuels, as well as strategies for enhancing the efficiency of vessel operations. This commitment to sustainability reflects the industry's dedication to responsible practices in the face of climate change.

Another crucial topic that is going to be discussed at the forum is digital transformation of maritime operations. With the advent of data analytics, blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the industry is on the brink of a revolution. Discussions are going to revolve around how these technologies can improve safety, optimize routes, and streamline supply chain management.

Government representatives are also going to be present at the conference to discuss policy matters that directly affect the maritime sector. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with policymakers and provide input on shaping the future of American maritime policy.

In addition to discussions and presentations, the American Maritime Forum will feature an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge maritime products and services. This will provide the attendees with the chance to see firsthand the latest advancements in vessel design, navigation systems, maritime safety equipment and in other segments.

Networking will play a significant role in the forum as well. Participants will have the chance to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. These interactions are vital for fostering innovation and ensuring the continued growth and competitiveness of the maritime sector.

Last, but not least – at the end of the first day there will be a Cocktail Reception Party which will provide a less formal atmosphere to network. All things considered, the American Maritime Forum is truly an event that’s not to be missed. So click the link below and reserve your seat at this extraordinary gathering.

Organizer: IGGS Group
Location: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Florida
Dates: October 24th – 25th
Official website: https://americanmaritime-forum.com/