Explora Journeys has announced the float out of Explora II and the steel cutting of EXPLORA III, its first LNG-powered ship.
The ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Italy, just two months after the delivery of EXPLORA I.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said: “The double event marks another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travellers.
“We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.”
EXPLORA II will enter service in Summer 2024. Construction began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, Italy where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022.
EXPLORA II will embark on her maiden journey in the summer of 2024, spending her first season in the Mediterranean sailing to the Mare Nostrum & Italian destinations such as Portofino, Argentario, Rome, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero, and the Emerald Coast.
EXPLORA III will enter service in summer 2026 and will be the first of the Explora fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
All of the Explora Journeys vessels will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies.
This includes selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy-efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions.
In January 2024, construction will begin on EXPLORA IV, also fuelled by LNG, which will be completed in early 2027.
For more information, please visit explorajourneys.com.
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