Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 5, German cruise operator TUI AG finalized a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to design and construct two environmentally sustainable cruise ships for its Marella Cruises brand. This deal marks a significant milestone for Marella Cruises, as it ventures into building its first new ships, tailored specifically for the English market with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly features. Fincantieri plans to deliver the vessels in 2030 and 2032.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: “We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a new customer and to support its vision as it enters the newbuild segment. This agreement is a testament to Fincantieri’s ability to forge strategic partnerships with an expanding client base, reinforcing our long-term visibility and ensuring a high level of capacity saturation for our shipyards.” The collaboration highlights Fincantieri’s expertise in shipbuilding and its growing ties with TUI-related brands.

Fincantieri has an established relationship with TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises. In February 2025, Fincantieri delivered Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships in the InTUItion class. The second ship, Mein Schiff Flow, is under construction at the Monfalcone shipyard, with delivery expected in 2026. Additionally, in 2024, TUI Cruises received Mein Schiff 7, a methanol-ready vessel built by Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku, marking the seventh ship in the Mein Schiff series.

Separately, Marella Cruises is introducing an innovative microfibre filter program across its fleet of five ships, aiming for full implementation by September 2025. This initiative, described as an industry first, seeks to reduce ocean pollution by capturing microplastics. The cruise line estimates it will trap around 500kg of microfibre pollution per ship annually. In 2024, Marella Cruises partnered with UK-based Cleaner Seas Group to trial this technology, installing two INDIKON filters on the Marella Explorer’s laundry system for six months. The University of Surrey also collaborated to analyze the captured microplastics, supporting the development of long-term filtration solutions.

This agreement with Fincantieri strengthens Marella Cruises’ commitment to sustainability and growth. The new ships will enhance the brand’s offerings for English passengers, while the microfibre initiative reflects its dedication to environmental care. Fincantieri’s ongoing projects with TUI Cruises further solidify its role as a key partner in delivering advanced, eco-conscious vessels.