Fenech & Fenech Marine Services Ltd has announced that it has “once again been entrusted to assist” with all the registration formalities of MSC Group’s latest passenger cruise liner to join its Malta-registered fleet.
The Explora I is the first passenger ship in the cruise company’s luxury lifestyle brand, Explora Journeys. Three more ships are planned to join the line, which is touted as “clearly marking a new era of ocean luxury cruise lining”.
The ship, which cost more than €500 million, was built at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone.
At its launch, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said, “Today is a historic day, and represents a decisive step in our growth path, because it marks the entry of the MSC Group into the luxury travel sector. This segment has strong growth prospects, in which we strongly believe and whose standards we aim to redefine, focusing as always on excellence and luxury.”
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, added that the launch “marks the most important milestone for Explora Journeys as we will finally be able to showcase our highly anticipated, extraordinary new ship.
“We have pushed the boundaries of innovation and design to create a ship that embodies our commitment to excellence. With the delivery of Explora I our vision to provide unparalleled luxury experiences has become an incredible reality.”
Fenech & Fenech Advocates noted that the “innovative” and “alternative” designs particular to the vessel made the registration aspects “all the more challenging in reaching the required technical approvals from the Malta flag”.
“We look forward to continue assisting MSC and welcoming their next new buildings under the Malta flag.”
Explora I will set sail on her maiden journey from Copenhagen, Denmark on 1st August, 2023, taking guests through the Shetland Islands and Orkney before heading to Iceland.
Fenech & Fenech Marine Services is the maritime arm of Maltese law firm Fenech & Fenech Advocates. It is known for its connection to the maritime industry, with Ann Fenech, Head of the firm’s Marine Litigation Department currently serving as President of the Comité Maritime International.
MSC was founded in Naples in 1970 and is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the largest privately held cruise company in the world, and the third largest overall.
