Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri – which built Explora I – was in late-May informed of a problem with some of the fire-resistant panels provided by a particular supplier.

The supplier is thought to have lost its safety certification for one type of panel used on Explora I. The shipbuilder has since been informed a second panel has lost its certification.

The Financial Times reported more than 40 vessels could be affected. The issue has prompted Explora parent MSC Group to cancel Explora I’s maiden voyage, which had been due to depart Southampton on 17 July.

It comes after MSC and Explora last week confirmed Explora I’s delivery ceremony had been cancelled. Fincantieri said it had agreed the delays with MSC "to make further enhancements" to the ship.

A spokesperson for Explora Journeys said: "As the safety of our guests and crew is of the utmost priority we took the immediate and responsible decision not to take delivery, even though this meant that we had to cancel the ship’s first sailing."

The line said it was "working tirelessly" with Fincantieri to deal "immediately and appropriately" to replace the affected materials to ensure the safety and compliance of the ship.

The work is currently underway, and the shipbuilder is discussing with the relevant classification societies to obtain the ship’s safety certificate so the ship will be ready for delivery on 24 July and its first sailing on 1 August from Copenhagen. 
 
"We understand the disappointment the delay has caused our guests but their safety and that of our crew are of our first priority and we appreciate their understanding as we manage effectively this unexpected situation," the line added.