Viking and Fincantieri have announced details of the Viking Libra, which they state will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. The vessel is currently under construction in Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and will be delivered in 2026.
The Switzerland-based cruise and travel company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and is scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered.
Viking Libra
Classified as a small ship, the Viking Libra will have a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. While the ship is considered a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, she will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would enable her to access environmentally sensitive areas. Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s propulsion system will be capable of producing up to 6MW of power.
“From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea will be even more environmentally friendly,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking. “Viking made the principled decision to invest in hydrogen, which offers a true zero-emission solution. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026.”
Future hydrogren plans
Viking and Fincantieri also signed contracts for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031 and an option for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2033. Based on the committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 110 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.
“With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri.
“Furthermore, we are thrilled about Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships, which reaffirms the strength of our partnership and the trust placed in our expertise. This new order is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, as together we continue to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding.”
In related news, the Port of Gothenburg recently entered the final phase of its two-week pilot project, in which it is using a hydrogen-powered generator to supply electricity to docked ships. According to the partners, the method may pave the way for reduced emissions in ports where conventional shore power connections are not feasible. Click here to read the full story.
