Viking Orders Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ships

Viking will have two new hydrogen-powered cruise ships joining its fleet.

The company has ordered two new-build vessels from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri: Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, which are both currently under construction.

According to the cruise line, Viking Libra will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. It’s scheduled for delivery in late 2026. Viking Astrea is slated for delivery in 2027.

In 2023, Explora Journeys ordered two new hydrogen-powered ships from Fincantieri, but they are not expected to set sail until 2027 and 2028.

“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,” says Torstein Hagen, chairman and chief executive officer 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.”

The 54,300-gross-ton Viking Libra will have 499 staterooms and a capacity for 998 guests. Viking Libra is a sister ship to the rest of Viking’s ocean fleet, with one key difference: The vessel will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, which means the ship will be capable of operating with zero emissions. 

The propulsion system, developed by Fincantieri subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori, will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

“With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world's first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation,” says Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and managing director of Fincantieri. “This new order is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, as together we continue to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding.”

Viking and Fincantieri have also signed contracts for the construction of two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031, with the option to add two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2033. With all the new ships on order, Viking expects to take delivery of 26 river ships by 2028 and 11 ocean ships by 2031.

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