Viking and Fincantieri Announce World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
Key Ideas
- Viking and Fincantieri revealed details of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
- The ship, Viking Astrea, is also under construction and will be hydrogen-powered, featuring a hybrid propulsion system for zero emissions.
- Fincantieri's subsidiary, IFM, will provide a state-of-the-art propulsion system capable of generating up to six megawatts of power.
- The partnership between Viking and Fincantieri aims to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding in the sustainable cruise industry.
Viking and Fincantieri have unveiled the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, set to be delivered in late 2026. This ground-breaking vessel, currently being constructed at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, will operate with zero emissions, thanks to its propulsion system based on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. The Viking Astrea, another hydrogen-powered ship by Viking, is also in the works for delivery in 2027. The partnership leverages Fincantieri’s subsidiary, IFM, for a cutting-edge propulsion system capable of producing six megawatts of power. Viking Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, expressed pride in the company's environmentally friendly approach through hydrogen investment. Fincantieri's CEO, Pierroberto Folgiero, highlighted the joint commitment to sustainable maritime transportation. The companies further solidified their collaboration with orders for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031. These strides reinforce Viking and Fincantieri's shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, with plans for significant fleet expansion by 2028 and 2031.