Viking and Fincantieri Building World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
by Dori Saltzman
Torstein Hagen and Pierroberto Folgiero. Photo: Dori Saltzman
Viking and Fincantieri revealed details of the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship – Viking Libra – at this week’s Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami. Debuting in 2026, the vessel will be capable of operating with zero emissions.
Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. A second hydrogen-powered ship, Viking Astrea, also under construction, is scheduled for delivery in 2027. Both will be powered by a hybrid propulsion system of liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells (capable of producing up to six megawatts 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 Libraand the Viking Astrea will be even more environmentally friendly,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking.
During their presentation on the tradeshow floor, Hagen said he has been looking at possible future fuels for several years and by 2019 had already decided that hydrogen “must be a possible way to the future,” though he admitted there are no guarantees that it is absolutely the right solution.
“But I think it’s a good bet,” he said.
“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,” added Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri.
The 499-staterom Viking Libra will have a capacity for 998 guests and will measure 54,300 gross tons.
Simultaneously, Viking also announced it has signed a contract with Fincantieri 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, Viking 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.
