Fincantieri has filed a lawsuit in the United States seeking more than €100 million (approximately $110 million) in damages from Owens Corning and its Finnish subsidiary Paroc over allegedly defective fire-resistant insulation panels installed on multiple cruise ships.

According to the filing reported by Sipping Italy, the panels designed for use in ship construction were fraudulently certified after being tested with altered samples that differed from those used in actual production. The non-compliant panels were later installed on at least a dozen vessels, including the luxury newbuilds Explora I and Explora II for MSC Group’s Explora Journeys brand.

The safety concerns led to delivery delays across several projects. Explora I’s debut, originally set for June 29, 2023, was postponed by several weeks, while Explora II and another cruise ship also faced delays. Fincantieri said the defective components caused not only schedule disruptions but also penalty payments and additional costs for replacement work.

The issue extends beyond current newbuilds. The loss of certification for the insulation panels has potentially affected more than 45 cruise ships already in service across multiple operators, built in previous years. The defective material was recalled in 2023 after Owens Corning and Paroc warned of a risk of “serious injury or death” in the event of a fire.

Fincantieri also accuses Owens Corning of failing to take adequate action to address safety risks on ships already sailing, despite internal findings indicating a high hazard level.

The Italian shipbuilder has not publicly commented beyond the legal filing. The case is expected to be closely watched by the cruise sector given its implications for ship safety compliance, warranty liability, and future procurement practices across the global newbuild market.