The 2026 drydock schedule at Fincantieri is well structured with a strong pipeline of cruise projects confirmed across the company’s yard facilities ranging from standard class renewals to larger upgrade packages, according to Massimo Costa, vice president of ship repair and conversions.

These include a mix of medium- and large-size vessels, with several projects involving energy-efficiency improvements, hotel refits and selected technical upgrades.

Fincantieri also continues to see demand for bundled projects, combining class-driven work with modernization efforts, reflecting the market trend toward more integrated and strategic drydock cycles.

Costa explained that this includes class-driven activities, technical upgrades, hotel refurbishment packages and targeted energy-efficiency improvements such as upgrades to HVAC and refrigeration plants, modernization of power distribution systems and other selected modifications to improve energy performance and fuel consumption.

Drydocks are planned several years ahead as most cruise operators secure their preferred slots well in advance to align with deployments, class schedules and commercial needs.

Costa also noted that there is a great deal of interest and momentum in the market around the energy transition. At the same time, the recent one-year postponement by the IMO for the adoption of its net-zero framework has created uncertainty about future fuel choices and compliance trajectories.

Therefore, while everyone is focused on the transition and compliance, most cruise lines are not yet ready to commit to large-scale refitting campaigns for future-fuel readiness or deep decarbonization upgrades.

Instead, there is more adoption of intermediate, technology-driven solutions that improve the performance and reduce the footprint without yet locking operators into a specific future fuel strategy.

Feasible and practical solutions for now include shore power installations, hydrodynamic optimization, including air lubrication systems and advanced low-friction hull coatings, improvements in HVAC, heat recovery systems, automation logic and digital performance monitoring tools.

These measures deliver measurable benefits today, while keeping long-term options open, according to Costa.

Fincantieri sees its role as offering support to shipowners through rigorous technical assessments, engineering clarity and realistic pathways, ensuring that once the regulatory environment stabilizes, they will be in a position to move forward with confidence.

Excerpted from the 2025-2026 Winter Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine.