The US company hoping to launch a $20bn "floating city" ship has put in place a new management team it says heralds a stepping up of its plans.

Sarasota-based Freedom Ship International (FSI) has named Paul Genova, a New Jersey-based financial planner and accountant, as president.

Joining him are Daniel Kochenash, a former Toys ‘R' Us executive, as chief operating officer, and Perry DeFontaine as chief financial officer.

Genova,