Tag Archives: Liquefied Natural Gas

Explora Journeys orders two new Hydrogen-Powered Ships.

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Explora V

Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, has agreed a deal with shipbuilding group Fincantieri for the construction of two new hydrogen-powered luxury cruise ships.

Explora V and VI will feature liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines designed to tackle the issue of methane slip and will also be equipped with a containment system for liquid hydrogen that will enable them to use the low-carbon fuel.

Hydrogen fuel will power a six-megawatt fuel cell to produce emissions-free power for the hotel operation and allow the vessels to run on zero emissions in port, with the engines turned off.

The two new builds, which will take the lines fleet from four to six vessels, are set to come into service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Explora Journeys has also confirmed that previously announced vessels Explora III and IV will be powered by LNG. The two ships will be enlarged by 19 metres to enable the installation of the system.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said the move marks a “significant step forward” in the line’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.

“Explora Journeys is building ships for tomorrow, utilising today’s latest technologies and being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available,” he added.

“This transition to zero-emissions operations for the maritime industry is the biggest challenge that we will ever face, and this will only be achieved by everyone playing their part – by investing in research and development and through significant investment both by companies but also governments.”

The two additional ships covered under the memorandum of understanding (MOA) with Fincantieri will bring Explora Journeys’ investment in its fleet to €3.5 billion.

This includes an additional €120 million each for fitting Explora III and IV with LNG engines, a change that required a temporary halt of work due to the significant redesign of the ships, which will now be delivered in 2026 and 2027.

New AIDAcosma Cruise Ship Delivered

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AIDA Cruises took delivery of its newest cruise ship, the AIDAcosma, in Bremerhaven from the Meyer Werft shipyard on Dec. 21.

It is the company’s second new building powered by liquefied natural gas, according to a press release, and gives AIDA its 14th ship. AIDA is Carnival Corporation’s German brand. 

The ship will enter service in the first quarter, sailing from Hamburg on seven-day so-called metropolis voyages.

On April 9, 2022, the champion athlete Kristina Vogel will christen the new ship in Hamburg.

The new vessel then will sail on a two-week christening voyage, taking passengers to either Mallorca or Barcelona. Further highlights of the itinerary include Lisbon, Cadiz and Malaga as the ship moves to the Mediterranean for the summer season.

From April 23 to October 15, 2022, the AIDAcosma will offer voyages from Palma and Barcelona. The one-week “Mediterranean Treasures” itinerary will also include calls into Florence, Rome and Corsica.

The AIDAcosma will then move to Dubai for the winter 2022-2023 season.

Covid delays debut of start-up Norwegian cruise line

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Covid delays debut of start-up Norwegian cruise line

The first two of start-up Norwegian cruise line Havila Voyages’ four new coastal ships have taken to the water following construction delays due to Covid-19.

The twin launch of the 6,200-ton vessels took place at the Tersan shipyard in Turkey on Saturday.

But the first two ships will not be ready for the new year as originally planned as the coronavirus pandemic has affected the shipyard over the last six months.

Delivery may now take place during the first quarter of 2021,” based on current knowledge,” according to Havila Voyages’ chief executive Arild Myrvoll.

In anticipation of the new 179-cabin ships, the firm has received approval for two replacement vessels.

But demand for the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes is currently “very uncertain”, and the need for capacity at the start of the new contract on January 1 is under evaluation, the company disclosed.

The coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions are affecting the entire travel industry and are also making it difficult for Havila Voyages to be specific about what will happen next year.

“But we are pleased to note that there is a lot of interest in Havila Voyages from travel agencies and tour operators. We are in great demand and are looking forward to getting going,” Myrvoll added.

The ships have been on land for longer than usual to expedite the construction process as much as possible, with several tasks streamlined.

Myrvoll added: “This means that the work on the ships that have been launched is well underway with regard to plumbing, machinery, electricity and fixtures and fittings.

“It will be good to start providing people living along the coast, and tourists, with safe transport and environmentally friendly sailing on the world’s most beautiful coastal voyage.”

Havila Castor and Havila Capella will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) supported by giant battery packs.

They will be the most environmentally friendly ships on the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021, the company claims.

The batteries will enable them to run for four hours without creating noise or emissions.

Havila Voyages has an agreement with the Norwegian transport ministry to operate four of the 11 ships that sail the coastal voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021 to 2030.