Trieste-headquartered shipbuilder Fincantieri has been contracted to build two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ships for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI and Royal Caribbean.
Fincantieri said the new units will be built at the Monfalcone shipyard and delivered in 2024 and in 2026, respectively.
In a separate statement, TUI said, that the Mein Schiff fleet will grow to nine ships by 2026.
These ships, of about 161,000 gross tons, will set up the backbone of the future TUI Cruises’ fleet, the statement reads.
The order is based on a prototype project developed by Fincantieri, with the twofold objective of reducing fuel consumption and minimizing environmental impact, according to the latest industry regulations.
Commenting on the order, Giuseppe Bono , CEO of Fincantieri, said, “these will be the largest ships ever built in Italy.”