Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri has held a steel cutting ceremony for the first of two new liquefied natural gas LNG-powered cruise ships for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
The steel-cutting ceremony was held on 22 June in San Giorgio di Nogaro at Centro Servizi Navali, a company specialized in logistics and production of sheet metal for the Fincantieri yards located in north-eastern Italy.
The new ships, described as being the “backbone” of the future TUI Cruises’ fleet, will have about 160,000 gross tons and will be able to operate on LNG as a fuel.
Furthermore, the Italian shipbuilder is exploring possibilities to make them operate in the future with low-emission biofuels.
In addition, they will be equipped with improved catalytic converters and a shore power connection. The company hopes that this will ensure almost emission-free ship operations while in port.
Finally, the vessels will be equipped with an efficient waste treatment system that can shred organic waste by means of thermal treatment.
“The order is based on a prototype project developed by Fincantieri which enhances the well-established features of modernity and sustainability of TUI Cruises, a company with one of the most modern and environmentally friendly cruise fleets in the world,” Fincantieri stated.
“With an innovative product configuration, energy efficiency lies at the heart of the project, with the twofold objective of reducing fuel consumption and minimizing environmental impact, according to the latest industry regulations.”
Fincantieri signed a contract to build two LNG-powered cruise ships for TUI Cruises back in 2018. The ships are slated for delivery in 2024 and in 2026, respectively. (June 23, 2022)
ITALY - LNG - USE AS MARINE FUEL