Sarah Bretz, ContributorViking and shipbuilder Fincantieri have announced details on Viking Libra, which will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Libra will be capable of operating with zero emissions.
Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. The cruise line’s next ship after that, Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and is scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen powered.
Classified as a small ship, just like all of Viking’s other ocean vessels, Viking Libra will come in at about 54,300 gross tons and have 499 staterooms that can accommodate 998 guests. While the vessel will still be considered a sister ship to Viking’s current ocean fleet, her propulsion system will be different, partially based on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions — allowing access to even the most environmentally-sensitive areas.
Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system will be 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 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.”
As part of Viking’s commitment to grow capacity, Viking and Fincantieri also announced today that contracts have been signed for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031. There’s also an option for two additional ocean ships set for a 2033 delivery.
Based on its 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.
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