Viking and Fincantieri Launch the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship, Viking Libra, Pioneering Zero-Emission Travel with Cutting-Edge Propulsion Technology

(IN SHORT) Viking® and Fincantieri have announced the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, set for delivery in late 2026. The ship, built at Fincantieri’s Ancona yard, features a hybrid propulsion system combining liquefied hydrogen and fuel cell technology from Isotta Fraschini Motori, offering up to six megawatts of power and zero emissions. With 499 staterooms on a vessel of approximately 54,300 tons, the Viking Libra is part of Viking’s innovative ocean fleet. Its sister ship, the Viking Astrea, will follow in 2027. In a further commitment to sustainable expansion, contracts for additional ocean and river ships have been signed for deliveries through 2031 and 2033.

(PRESS RELEASE) LOS ANGELES, 2025-Apr-9 — /Travel PR News/ — Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) and Fincantieri have unveiled details for the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, engineered to operate with zero emissions. Currently being built at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra is slated for delivery in late 2026. Its sister ocean vessel, the Viking Astrea, which is also under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will likewise be powered by hydrogen.

Designed as a small ship like all Viking ocean vessels, the Viking Libra will boast a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons and feature 499 staterooms accommodating up to 998 guests. Although it shares many design elements with the award-winning Viking ocean fleet, this ship distinguishes itself with a propulsion system that combines liquefied hydrogen and advanced fuel cell technology. Provided by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in cutting-edge fuel cell systems, this hybrid propulsion setup will deliver up to six megawatts of power, enabling the vessel to navigate environmentally sensitive areas while maintaining zero emissions.

“From the outset, our designs for both river and ocean ships have focused on reducing fuel consumption, and we are very proud that the Viking Libra and Viking Astrea will take this commitment even further,” stated Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Investing in hydrogen is a principled decision that offers a genuine zero-emission solution. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship into our fleet in 2026.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added, “The Viking Libra represents not only the world’s first cruise ship to be powered by onboard-stored hydrogen, but it also reinforces our dedication to advancing sustainable maritime transportation. Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships reflects the strong partnership between our companies and the trust in our capabilities. This new order exemplifies our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry as we continue to set new standards in innovation and responsible shipbuilding.”

In addition to this milestone, Viking and Fincantieri announced the signing of contracts for two additional ocean ships scheduled for delivery in 2031, along with an option for two more to be delivered in 2033. With these orders and the current orderbook, Viking expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031, positioning the company to operate 110 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

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SOURCE: Viking Cruises