Viking and Fincantieri Unveil World's First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
Key Ideas
- Viking and Fincantieri unveiled the details of the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, Viking Libra, at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.
- The vessel, along with a second ship, Viking Astrea, will operate with zero emissions due to a hybrid propulsion system of liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells.
- The initiative showcases a commitment to sustainable maritime transportation, with Viking aiming to have a significant fleet of river and ocean ships powered by hydrogen by 2031.
- Viking's Chairman emphasized the importance of reducing fuel consumption and expressed confidence in hydrogen as a potential future fuel, emphasizing a shift towards eco-friendly practices.
Viking and Fincantieri made a groundbreaking announcement at the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami by revealing details of the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, Viking Libra. Set to debut in 2026, with a capacity for 998 guests and a gross tonnage of 54,300, the Viking Libra will mark a significant milestone in the cruise industry's efforts towards sustainability. This innovative vessel, along with the upcoming Viking Astrea, is currently under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard and is expected to operate with zero emissions. Both ships will utilize a hybrid propulsion system combining liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, capable of generating up to six megawatts of power. The Chairman and CEO of Viking, Torstein Hagen, expressed pride in the environmental friendliness of these ships and highlighted the company's dedication to reducing fuel consumption. Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, emphasized the importance of the Viking Libra in shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation. Additionally, Viking's commitment to eco-friendly practices extends to their future plans, as they have signed contracts for more hydrogen-powered ships for delivery in the coming years. This initiative reflects a positive sentiment towards hydrogen as a potential future fuel and underscores a significant shift towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices in the cruise industry.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Environmental Impact
Sustainability
Shipbuilding
Maritime Transportation
Future Fuel
Cruise Industry
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