Fincantieri launches the ‘second largest’ dual-fuel LNG-powered vessel built in Italy

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched Star Princess—the second dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel being built for the U.S.-based cruise line Princess Cruises.

As disclosed, Star Princess is the second ship in the Sphere class, following the delivery of the first of the two ordered LNG vessels , the 178,000 gross ton Sun Princess—the ‘largest ship ever built in Italy.’

Much like its sister vessel, Star Princess, which is expected to be delivered in 2025, is being constructed at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard.

According to Fincantieri, with a gross tonnage of approximately 178,000 tons, this ship has, too, found its place in the annals of Italy’s ‘biggest ships ever engineered‘.

LNG is widely regarded as a “mature, scalable, and commercially viable” fuel and is considered to be a a bridge solution until more advanced technologies become more widely available. Unlike traditional heavy fuels, LNG emits significantly lower levels of carbon dioxide and nearly eliminates sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which are major contributors to air pollution.

Its importance extends beyond just meeting ecological standards—LNG also offers a clear pathway toward decarbonization as the maritime sector looks for further alternatives to cut down emissions.

For Fincantieri and Princess Cruises, thus, the addition of the dual-fuel Star Princess, which is expected to accomodate around 4,300 passengers, represents a ‘big step’ in their commitment to sustainable shipping.

Princess Cruises, which is part of Carnival Corporation, operates a fleet of 17 cruise ships, serving over 300 destinations worldwide.

Just months after Sun Princess was delivered, the two companies set another target: to construct an LNG-powered vessel that would top Sun Princess and Star Princess in size and tonnage.

Namely, in July 2024, Fincantieri signed an agreement with Carnival Corporation for the design, engineering, and construction of three new cruise ships for the Carnival Cruise Line brand. The order was placed for a new class of LNG-powered vessels, approximately 230,000 gross tons, which would make this particular class ‘the largest ships ever built by Fincantieri and an Italian shipyard.’

As informed, the vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2031 and 2033.