On May 30, Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, launched the LNG dual-fuel cruise ship “Mein Schiff Flow” for Germany’s TUI Cruises at its Monfalcone shipyard and moved the vessel to the outfitting berth. The ship is scheduled to be put into operation in the summer of 2026.
The vessel is the second of two next-generation InTUItion class cruise ships, designed for dual-fuel operation (Liquefied Natural Gas – LNG and Marine Gas Oil – MGO). A sister ship to “Mein Schiff Relax”, delivered in February, the new unit is scheduled to enter service in mid-2026.
The launching ceremony was attended Daniele Fanara, Senior Vice President New Building and After Sales of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, by Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Monfalcone shipyard, and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.
With approximately 160,000 gross tons, “Mein Schiff Flow” is based on a first-in-class project developed by Fincantieri enhancing the modernity and sustainability characteristics that TUI Cruises, a company with one of the most advanced fleets from an ecological point of view, is known for.
Featuring an innovative product configuration, the project will place energy efficiency at its core, aiming to reduce operational consumption and minimize environmental impact, in compliance with the latest regulations. The ship will be able to use LNG and is future-proof with the ability to utilize low-emission fuels such as bio- or e-LNG, marking a significant step towards climate-neutral cruising.
“Mein Schiff Flow” will feature catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards, a steam turbine, using the residual heat from the diesel generators, as well as an electrical shore-power connection. All this will ensure almost emission-free operations while in port (about 40% of operating time). The unit will also be equipped with an innovative and highly efficient waste treatment system capable of transforming organic materials into recyclable components through a thermal process.
It is reported that TUI Cruises is a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises. It has developed rapidly since its first cruise operation in 2009. The “Mein Schiff Relax” delivered in February this year is TUI Cruises’ 8th cruise ship.
In related news, TUI AG has recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Fincantieri to design and build two high-end cruise ships for another of its cruise brands, Marella Cruises, which are expected to be delivered in 2030 and 2032, respectively, with a total value of more than 2 billion euros. The cooperation between the two parties began in 2018, when TUI AG ordered two InTUItion-class cruise ships for the “Mein Schiff” series, which focuses on the German market.