The launch event for Mein Schiff Relax, the newest vessel of TUI's InTUItion class (a series of new concept ships powered by dual-fuel capability - LNG/Liquid Natural Gas and MGO/Marine Gas Oil) took place at the Monfalcone shipyard. The unit is constructed by Fincantieri for TUI Cruises, a 50/50 joint venture between TUI AG and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group.
Elena Sperti, a shipyard employee (Deputy Head of Outfitting Workshop), served as the ship's/ceremony's godmother.
With a volume of ~160,000 GT-tons, these vessels are set to form the core of TUI's modern fleet. The order is based on a Fincantieri prototype project that enhances the established features of modernity and sustainability for TUI, a company recognized for the ecological advancements in its fleet.
Emphasizing energy efficiency, the project aims to curtail operational consumption and minimize environmental impact in accordance with recent regulations. The vessels are designed to utilize LNG, currently one of the cleanest marine fuels available at a large scale. Notably, the ships are adaptable to low-emission fuels such as bio- or e-LNG, aligning with the objective of climate-neutral cruising.
Equipped with catalytic converters (compliant with the Euro 6 standard) and a generative turbine utilizing residual heat from diesel generators, along with an electrical shore-power connection, the ships ensure nearly emission-free operation during port stays (~40% of operating time). Additionally, an advanced waste treatment system capable of converting organic substances into charcoal through a thermal process will be integrated.
TUI Cruises (April 2008-established, headquartered in Hamburg) is a joint venture between the TUI Group, a global leader in the tourism sector, and RCCL/Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company, operational since May 2009, specializes in offering cruises tailored for the German-speaking market.