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Updated: MSC’s new Explora 1 faces delay

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 July 2023 06 July 2023

It appears, according to the Financial Times, that one of the issues impacting the delivery of Explora 1’s delay, could be that its fire resistant panels are defective.

Manufactured by Paroc, a Finnish insulation company, the panels, which had been certified with a safety rating, failed when being tested for safety classification even though the original certificate should have been valid until 2025.

Even more disruptive is the fact that, in addition to Explora, similar fire resistant panels made by Paroc are in use aboard some 45 passenger ships that are currently in service. These include, according to the report in the FT, recently delivered MSC Euribia.

Paroc was acquired by U.S. company Owens Corning in 2018. It is currently working with its customers and regulatory authorities to find out the possible risks caused by using the products, according to FT.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn new details.

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The delivery ceremony of Explora I that was scheduled for today, July 6, at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, has been cancelled, it has been reported. The 461-suite, 63,900 gross ton luxury ship, the first in the fleet of MSC Group’s nascent Explora Journeys brand is under construction at Fincantieri, in Italy.

The cause of the delay, according to a statement from MSC Cruises, is supply line issues that resulted in Explora I not being finished to the satisfication of its owners. "Unfortunately, the time required for the work will extend the vessel’s stay at the shipyard by a few weeks," MSC Cruises said in a statement Tuesday.

At the moment we’re still waiting on word about whether or not the christening, when the christening, which was due to take place on Saturday, July 8, will occur. As well, the company has not yet announced if Explora I will depart from Southampton on Monday, July 17. Interestingly, accommodations on the all-suite ship were still available for the maiden voyage, starting from $3,950 for a five day voyage.

We’ll provide updates as the story warrants.

Ponant unveils innovative, green design concept seen ready to sail by 2030

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 July 2023 06 July 2023

Ponant, the French expedition cruise line, said it has committed to a uniquely designed transoceanic ship, supporting the evolution towards carbon neutrality.

The company’s R&D team have come up with a pioneering concept that combines six groundbreaking technologies, that will redefine future navigation. The sailing ship, which will be ready by 2030, aims to be a catalyst for new energy solutions for Ponant and the broader industry.

“Whilst Ponant has chosen to join forces once again with naval architects Stirling Design International, discussions are ongoing to select the shipyard for the delivery of this vastly evolved and cutting-edge vessel,” the company said in a statement.

A technological revolution that puts sustainability at the heart of the project

“By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her life cycle. Renewable energy supplied by the wind and sun will be combined with low-carbon non-fossil energy associated with fuel cells,” explains Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant

"The next generation of eco-designed Ponant ships will be a key milestone in achieving our net zero emissions ambition. With around a hundred staterooms and a length overall of 181m, Ponant’s future sailing ship is paving the way to a new era for the maritime industry," he said.

In line with new European and international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, Ponant is adopting an unprecedented eco-design approach. This is a major advancement in shipbuilding with selection of equipment and materials based on an analysis of their life cycle through to the recycling of waste.

Ponant heads up project with strong replicability potential to speed up decarbonisation of the shipbuilding industry.

Swap2Zero aims for zero CO2 eq* emissions in operation, with one month autonomy by being the first to combine six major decarbonisation technology building blocks:

A sail power system and hull providing an average of 50% of the propulsion energy using the force of the wind;
A surface area totalling over 1,000m2 of photovoltaic panels, with new generation organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into the structures and sails;
A low temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with the water and heat produced being recycled;
A high temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load requirements, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water;
On-board carbon capture technology, coupled with the high temperature fuel cell;
An innovative bespoke energy management system to control and distribute power without any generators being in service.

“The Swap2Zero ship is also part of the Ponabnt Science programme in line with our commitment to scientists. She will host researchers involved in decarbonisation technologies, a major challenge in the battle to control global warming,” the company said.

Renaissance enters service

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 July 2023 03 July 2023

Following a lengthy refit at the Damen shipyard in Brest in northern France, Renaissance of Compagnie Française de Croisières has entered service.

The ship that started life as Maasdam of Holland America Line in 1993 sailed for its first cruise for its new French owner on 29 June from Le Havre. This will take the ship to ports in the British Isles.

The ship was named at a ceremony in Le Havre on 28 June, the company said in a statement.

CFC acquired the vessel from a Greek company called SeaJets that did not operate it. The first cruise had to be postponed as a refit that had started in October lasted longer than what had been originally anticipated.

The 55,575 gross ton ship takes its name from a much smaller vessel of the same name that operated on the French market from the 1960s and the 1970s.

Cruises fourth most favoured holiday option in UK poll

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 July 2023 03 July 2023

Cruises have come fourth in a poll to rate various holiday options in a UK poll that covered just over 1,800 respondents and was carried out by online agency Travelzoo, Travel Weekly reports.

City breaks, beach holidays and by cultural or historical sightseeing or experiences held the first three positions.

“When asked what they would like to do on holiday, 46% said they would like to visit somewhere completely new; 39% had no preference and were open to ideas while 15% would visit somewhere they know and love,” Travel Weekly reported.

Holland America Line to offer ex UK sailing for first time in half decade

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 July 2023 03 July 2023

Holland America Line will offer a sailing from the UK port of Dover in September, the first time the Carnival group company has offered a departure from the country in five years.

Nieuw Statendam, which is the second Pinnacle class ship of the company, will operate the 11-day Iberian cruise, which will depart Copenhagen on 6 September.

“The ship will then call in Dover on 8 September to pick up ex-UK guests for the nine remaining days,” the comoany said in a statement. The itinerary then includes calls at Porto, Lisbon, Seville and Barcelona and the cruise will terminate in Civitavecchia on 17 September.

“Cruise-only fares for the nine-day ex-UK segment lead in from £599pp based on two people sharing an inside stateroom,’ the company said.