Fincantieri has launched TUI Cruises' latest ship Mein Schiff Relax, the first vessel of the inTUItion class. This marks the beginning of an impressive series of two LNG dual-fuel cruise ships destined for TUI Cruises. The launch took place at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard, showcasing the culmination of cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness.The inTUItion class vessels, boasting an impressive 160,000 gross tons, is poised to serve as the cornerstone of TUI Cruises' forthcoming fleet.
According to the old seafaring tradition, Roberto Benvenuto, the priest of the shipyard, blessed the ship with prayers and holy water. Elena Sperti, the shipyard's godmother, broke a bottle of Prosecco on the hull of the Mein Schiff Relax, a tradition to invoke the luck of the ship and all those who will sail on it as it floats to the surface.
Together with Cristiano Bazzara, the director of the Fincantieri shipyard, Wybcke Meier, the CEO of TUI Cruises, turned on the valves. "The floating of the Mein Schiff Relax with the blessing of the priest and the good wishes of Madrina, the shipyard's godmother, was new and very special for us. Just as new and special as this first ship of the new inTUItion ship class. We are happy about every progress we can see here because the Mein Schiff Relax is intended to be a new feel-good ship for couples, families, and solo travelers," said Wybcke Meier, the CEO of TUI Cruises.
The highlight of these ships lies in their utilization of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO), a strategic move aligning with contemporary environmental standards. Notably, the ships have the flexibility to incorporate low-emission fuels, including bio-LNG or e-LNG, underscoring Fincantieri's dedication to sustainable cruising practices.
Looking ahead, Fincantieri is exploring the potential integration of low-emission biofuels, underscoring a proactive stance toward achieving climate-neutral cruising. The commitment to environmentally friendly operations is further evident in the vessels' features, such as catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards and a regenerative turbine harnessing residual heat from diesel generators.
