Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ships Setting Sail for a Greener Future
Key Ideas
- The world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, 'Viking Libra', is being constructed by Fincantieri and Viking, set for delivery in late 2026.
- The partnership includes the development of advanced fuel cell technology by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM) to enable zero-emission operations on board.
- In addition to 'Viking Libra', a second hydrogen-powered cruise ship 'Viking Astrea' is also under construction, highlighting a significant step towards sustainable maritime transportation.
- Fincantieri's CEO expressed a commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation, integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering supply chain innovation.
The world's first cruise ship to be powered entirely by hydrogen, the 'Viking Libra', is currently under construction through a partnership between Fincantieri and Viking. Set for delivery in late 2026, the ship will utilize hydrogen as a propulsion fuel and hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for onboard operations. In a ground-breaking move, this initiative showcases the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source for the maritime sector. The project also involves the development of advanced fuel cell technology capable of providing up to 6MW of power onboard, offering zero-emission navigation and operations. The partnership includes the construction of a second hydrogen-powered cruise ship, 'Viking Astrea', with innovative solutions for onboard hydrogen storage. Fincantieri's commitment to sustainability is evident through their dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering supply chain innovations, exemplified by their collaboration with IFM. The positive sentiment towards hydrogen is reinforced by Viking CEO's endorsement of hydrogen as a 'true zero-emission solution'. This initiative signifies a significant step towards a greener future in the cruise industry, with the potential to set new standards for sustainable maritime transportation.