Fincantieri has received a significant order in the cruise segment. The Norwegian Group has ordered up to eight newbuilds for its cruise brands. The Italians could build the largest ships for NCL to date.
The Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri has announced a new order from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings at the current Seatrade, the world’s largest trade fair for the cruise industry in Miami. The order comprises the construction of four new “next generation” cruise ships: two for the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand and two for the Oceania Cruises brand. [ds_preview]
“These ships represent the pinnacle of technological advancement, onboard comfort and entertainment while exemplifying environmental sustainability,” the shipyard explains. The ships for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2029, offer space for around 850 passengers at 77,000 GT. The ships for Oceania Cruises, which are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, have a capacity of 86,000 GT and can accommodate around 1,450 passengers. The contract for these four new units is reportedly already in force and financing has been secured.
Fincantieri to build largest NCL units to date
In addition, the Group has signed a letter of intent with the same shipping company to examine the construction of four further units. These ships, which could be delivered in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036, will be the largest ever built for the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand, with a capacity of around 5,000 passengers each and around 200,000 GT.
This second agreement, which is still subject to financing and other conditions, marks an “extremely important new phase in the long-term partnership between the two companies”, according to the statement.
The order for these four ships is expected to replace a separate, effective order for two ships for Oceania Cruises, which was originally placed to secure shipyard space, according to Fincantieri. The order for four ships for NCL has not yet been finalised and is subject to financing.
NCL’s strategy is to build its own class of new ships for each brand, focusing on size, efficiency and innovation within the respective fleets. In line with the company’s sustainability commitments, the new ship projects are expected to make a significant contribution to decarbonization.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “We are particularly proud of this impressive new agreement and partnership with a historic and prestigious customer such as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which confirms the continuity of strategic relationships that we consider to be of great industrial value. An important milestone for our shipyards and a historic contract for the Group, which confirms the robust recovery of the market and the investments we have planned in our new industrial plan.”
The Italian shipbuilding group had recently presented significantly improved business figures for 2023, but the recent net result was still negative. However, the offshore and defence sectors have already given Fincantieri a bulging order book again.
