Richard Branson’s renamed cruise venture Virgin Voyages has firmed up orders for three cruise ship newbuildings at Italy’s Fincantieri.
The then Virgin Cruises originally signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Fincantieri to build three mid-size cruiseships back in July 2015.
Details of the change of name and confirmation of the newbuilding orders came at a press launch in Miami last week.
Keel-laying for the first vessel is likely to take place in about 12 months, and it is due for delivery in 2020. Sister ships will follow in 2021 and 2022.
Virgin Voyages also revealed that it will be the first cruise line to adopt the clean energy system, Climeon Ocean.
The system is said to transform low-grade energy into clean electricity with substantial environmental benefits.
Virgin says the resulting environmental impact will be an estimated 5,400t of carbon dioxide saving annually per ship – an amount that would take 180,000 trees 30 years to absorb.
“The Climeon heat power system is an environmental breakthrough, and working with Virgin is of major importance to us,” said Climeon founder and chief executive Thomas Ostrom.
“We are excited that Sir Richard Branson and Virgin, with their focus on sustainability, have decided to become a pioneer of this technology. Transforming hot water to electricity will be a major source of energy production going forward.”
The Virgin boss is said to have raised about £2bn ($2.44bn) to launch the cruise line, which will be based out of Miami.
Virgin Voyages chief executive Tom McAlpin said: “Our world class partners like Bain Capital Private Equity, Virgin Group and Fincantieri as well as financial powerhouses like Cassa depositi e prestiti, UniCredit, SACE and SIMEST, showcase our strong backing and commitment to developing an incredible product.”
McAlpin, who was part of the management team that created Disney Cruise Line, said Virgin Voyages would be unlike any other cruise or holiday.
