Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups based in Italy, announced via its official website that a major triple milestone for Fincantieri and Explora Journeys was celebrated on March 9 at its Sestri Ponente shipyard. The global leader in highly complex shipbuilding and the ultra-elegant European luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, marked the launch of Explora IV, the coin ceremony of Explora V, and the start of construction of Explora VI.
The number of ships that Fincantieri is building simultaneously for Explora Journeys has now risen to four: Explora III, which is currently undergoing sea trials and scheduled for delivery in July; Explora IV and Explora V, both set to enter service in 2027; and Explora VI, which will enter service in 2028, completing the six-vessel fleet entirely entrusted to Fincantieri.
The first two ships, Explora I and Explora II, are already in service and, thanks to global itineraries, exclusive destinations and unique, seamless onboard experiences, are enjoying growing success across markets worldwide. They have quickly become a benchmark for the entire sector by offering a refined, innovative and distinctive travel experience.
The godmothers of the Explora V coin ceremony were Serena Melani, Captain of Explora ships, and Alice Gallo, a Fincantieri employee at the Sestri Ponente shipyard, who placed two commemorative coins inside the hull as a traditional gesture of good fortune. Cristina Bacigalupo, also a Fincantieri employee at the Sestri Ponente shipyard, served as godmother for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the technical launch of Explora IV.
For the construction of the six Explora Journeys ships, the MSC Group invested approximately €3.5 billion, generating significant economic and employment benefits for the country. Taking into account the four ships previously ordered and delivered by Fincantieri – MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape – the MSC Group’s total investment rises to around €7 billion.
All vessels are also equipped with a “cold ironing” system, allowing them to connect to the shore power grid while in port and eliminate emissions during port stays.
The construction of these ships reflects Fincantieri’s role as a system integrator of a broad and highly specialized industrial supply chain. In Italy, the Group works with around 6,500 suppliers — most of them small and medium-sized enterprises — enabling them to participate in projects with high technological content and strong international reach. In Liguria alone, roughly 800 suppliers are part of Fincantieri’s supply chain, while the Group directly employs more than 3,600 people locally and contributes to generating over 70,000 jobs across the entire national supply chain. This confirms the shipbuilding sector’s role as a key industrial and employment driver for the country.