Fincantieri, renowned as the world’s premier shipbuilder, has unveiled a landmark collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), a prominent force in the cruise industry. This historic agreement signifies the construction of eight groundbreaking cruise ships, heralding a pivotal moment in maritime history

Fincantieri, the world’s leading shipbuilder, recently announced an unprecedented partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), one of the largest cruise specialist groups listed on Wall Street. The agreement involves the construction of no less than eight new cruise ships, marking a significant turning point in the industry.

The first four ships will be destined for the luxury brands Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. These vessels, characterised by state-of-the-art design and a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, will offer an unprecedented on-board experience. The ships for Regent Seven Seas Cruises will have a gross tonnage of 77,000 tonnes and capacity for around 860 passengers each, while the ships for Oceania Cruises will have a gross tonnage of 85,000 tonnes and capacity for around 1,450 passengers. The contract for these four new vessels has already been effectively secured by financing.

But the agreement does not stop there. Fincantieri and NCLH have also signed a letter of intent for the design and construction of four more ships, which will become the largest ever built for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand. With a gross tonnage of approximately 200,000 tonnes each and the capacity to accommodate around 5,000 passengers, these ships will set a new standard in the cruise industry.

This agreement is not only a testament to Fincantieri’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, but also to the robust recovery of the cruise market. Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, emphasised the historic importance of this agreement, describing it as ‘monumental’ and confirming that it will lead to considerable workload and employment for the shipyards.

At the same time, Folgiero highlighted the growth of the military sector in Fincantieri’s portfolio, with projects that guarantee a solid economic basis for the company’s future. This strategic balance between cruise, military and work ships confirms Fincantieri’s position as an undisputed leader in the world shipbuilding scene.

In conclusion, the agreement between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings represents not only a milestone in the cruise industry, but also a turning point in the partnership between the two groups, destined to shape the future of the industry.

Priano Marchelli