TUI orders two new cruise ships in a deal worth two billion euros
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and TUI Cruises have signed a contract for the construction of two new cruise ships., valued at just over two billion euros. This is one of the largest investments in the history of TUI's cruise fleet, clearly signalling continued growth and transformation in the global cruising industry.
Memorandum converted into a contract
The agreement follows the memorandum of understanding signed in March this year, and provides for the construction of ships for Marella Cruises, a brand operating under the TUI Group.
New ships are expected to be delivered 2031 and 2032 These will be significantly higher than originally planned – a gross tonnage of approximately 160,000 GT. The drive will be combined: liquefied natural gas (LNG) i Marine gas oil (MGO), which confirms the direction of sustainable transformation in the cruise industry.
“By signing this contract, we demonstrate that we can support the expansion of the fleets of the world's largest cruise operators, combining innovation, sustainability and the skill of Italian shipbuilding,” stated Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.
Competition is intensifying in the premium segment
The investment by TUI comes at a time when the biggest global players – MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group – are already investing heavily in new ships, particularly in LNG-powered and sustainable technologies.
- MSC is currently building several LNG carriers at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France.
- Royal Caribbean is developing ships with fuel cell technology.
- Carnival expanding the LNG fleet through the Costa and AIDA brands.
With this move, TUI further strengthens the position of Marella Cruises in mid to premium segment and clearly shows its intention to compete not only with European but also with global brands.
Cruise agencies specialised in the region (e.g. those cooperating with MSC and Costa) will have the opportunity to expand their offering through Marella Cruises as well – a brand that is increasingly establishing itself in the Central and Eastern European markets.
