Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has won a contract from the Sicilian regional government to build a new LNG-powered ferry.
Fincantieri said in a statement the contract is worth about 120 million euros ($126 million).
The contract includes an option for a second vessel.
Also, the ship, entirely “Made in Sicily” and fully owned by the Sicilian Region, will be built in Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard.
The Italian shipbuilder said it will deliver the LNG-powered Ropax Class A vessel in 2026.
Following delivery, it will serve the routes between Sicily and the islands of Lampedusa and Pantelleria.
According to Fincantieri, the 140 meters long vessel will have a capacity for 200 cars and 1000 people, and will have a maximum speed of 19 knots.
It will feature a dual-fuel engine able to use LNG and diesel and will have a photovoltaic system that will “guarantee approximately four hours of zero-emission in-port stay,” it said.
With this order, Fincantieri adds one more LNG-powered vessel to its order book.
MSC’s cruise division recently also confirmed firm orders for two LNG-powered vessels for its luxury travel brand Explora Journeys with Fincantieri.
This puts the total to four LNG-powered cruise ships.
Last month, the Italian shipbuilder started budling the LNG-powered cruise ship, Explora III, for MSC’s luxury travel brand.