MSC’s Explora Journeys adds LNG-capable cruise ship

MSC-owned cruise line Explora Journeys has added an LNG dual-fuel cruise ship to its fleet.

IMAGE: LNG dual-fuel cruise vessel Explora III. Explora Journeys

The vessel, Explora III, was delivered ahead of schedule in Genoa on 23 July, and officially named at MSC’s cruise terminal in Barcelona on 1 August.

It is the company’s first LNG-powered vessel and can also use drop-in renewable alternatives such as liquefied biomethane (LBM) and synthetic LNG (e-LNG) when they become more widely available.

Explora III is shore-power capable, allowing it to switch off its engines and plug into electricity at ports with shore-power infrastructure.

Cruise ships generated around 15% of their emissions at berth in 2025, the highest share among all vessel types, an analysis of EU MRV data found last month, underscoring the importance of shore power for the segment.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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