Genova (Italy), Oct 19 (IANS/AKI): Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri said it has signed an agreement with MSC Cruises - the worlds largest privately-owned cruise company - for the construction of four ultra-luxury cruise ships at a cost of over 2 billion euros.

The ships, the first of which will be delivered in Spring 2023, will have gross tonnage of approx. 64,000 GRT and feature 500 cabins, a Fincantieri statement said.

The remaining three ships will come into service one per year over the following three years.

The ships will feature state-of-the-art environmental technology and other cutting-edge "maritime solutions" at sea. Other features include highly-innovative design and new options for guest comfort and relaxation.

"We are extremely satisfied that, to launch a new class of ships in the luxury segment, MSC Cruises has recognized that our design will help them create a new generation of ships that will be cutting edge both in terms of safety and technological content, and with particular attention paid to passenger comfort," said Fincantieri's Executive Officer Giuseppe Bono.

Fincantieri now has 53 cruise ships in its order book, confirming its position as "absolute market leader", Bono added.

The four new cruise ships ordered from Fincantieri bring to 17 the total new ships to be built by 2027 for an overall investment of 13.6 billion euros - an investment plan that is unprecedented in the industry, according to the statement.