Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has initiated legal proceedings in the USA seeking damages of EUR 100+ million (~USD 110 million) from Owens Corning and its Finnish subsidiary Paroc. The claim concerns fire-resistant insulation panels supplied for installation on multiple cruise vessels, which the shipbuilder alleges were non-compliant with safety standards.
Owens Corning is a 1938-founded American company (headquartered in Toledo, Ohio USA) that develops and produces insulation materials, roofing, and is ranked the world's largest manufacturer of fiberglass composites. The subsidiary company Paroc specializes in the production of energy-efficient and fire-resistant insulation products and solutions of stone wool.
Court filings (cited by Sipping Italy) state that the panels, intended for marine construction, were certified following tests on altered samples rather than on production-standard material. These panels were subsequently fitted on at least 12 cruise ships, including Explora I and Explora II constructed for MSC Explora Journeys.
The alleged non-compliance resulted in schedule disruptions. The delivery of Explora I, initially planned for June 29, 2023, was delayed by several weeks, while Explora II and another (unnamed) cruise ship also experienced postponements. Fincantieri has claimed that the issue led to penalty payments, increased costs associated with component replacement, and delays in meeting contractual milestones.
Beyond current construction projects, the matter is reported to affect more than 45 vessels already in service, built over previous years for various operators. The insulation material in question was recalled in 2023 after Owens Corning and Paroc advised that its use could result in serious injury or fatality in the event of a fire.
Fincantieri has further alleged that Owens Corning did not implement sufficient measures to mitigate safety risks on vessels already operating, despite internal assessments indicating significant hazard potential.
The case is expected to be closely monitored within the maritime industry due to its possible implications for safety certification protocols, liability for defective components, and procurement standards in the global cruise shipbuilding sector.