Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has initiated legal proceedings in the United States seeking damages in excess of EUR 100 million (approximately US$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.
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 twelve ships, including the luxury newbuilds Explora I and Explora II constructed for MSC Group’s Explora Journeys brand.
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.