Fincantieri delivers 2nd InTUItion-class cruise ship Mein Schiff Flow to TUI Cruises

Fincantieri has delivered Mein Schiff Flow, the second LNG-powered InTUItion-class ship for TUI Cruises.

TUI Cruises accepted delivery of the vessel at its Monfalcone shipyard in Italy, joining sister ship Mein Schiff Relax as part of TUI Cruises’ wider fleet renewal programme centred on lower-emission technologies.

The delivery ceremony was attended by regional authorities and executives from both companies, including TUI Cruises Chief Executive Officer Wybcke Meier and Fincantieri Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero.

At approximately 160,000 gross tons and with capacity for around 4,000 passengers, Mein Schiff Flow has been developed around a new design platform focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing operational consumption.

The ship can operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO), while also being prepared to use alternative fuels, including bio-LNG and e-LNG, as they become more widely available.

Its environmental technologies include Euro 6-compliant catalytic converters, a steam turbine that recovers residual heat from diesel generators, and shore power connectivity.

These systems are intended to enable virtually emission-free operations while the ship is alongside in port, a phase that accounts for around 40 per cent of its operational time.

Mein Schiff Flow also features a waste treatment system that uses a thermal process to convert organic material into recyclable components.

“With the delivery of Mein Schiff Flow, we celebrate a new milestone in our collaboration with TUI Cruises and reaffirm the strategic role of the Monfalcone shipyard as a centre of excellence in global shipbuilding,” said Folgiero.

“I would like to thank all those who, through their professionalism, passion and dedication, have helped make this important milestone possible,” he said.

The delivery further extends the long-standing relationship between Fincantieri and TUI Cruises. In September last year, the companies signed a contract for two additional InTUItion-class vessels, which are scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032.

The newbuild order will bring the number of InTUItion-class ships built by Fincantieri for TUI Cruises to four and signals continued investment in dual-fuel cruise ship technology at a time when operators are seeking pathways towards lower-emission operations.

Mein Schiff Flow also reinforces the importance of Monfalcone within Fincantieri’s cruise shipbuilding operations.

The shipyard has delivered more than 45 cruise ships and employs around 6,500 people, making it one of the company’s principal centres for the construction of large passenger vessels.