Viking and Fincantieri have announced exciting new details about the groundbreaking Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. The Viking Libra is capable of operating with zero emissions and is now under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard. The trendsetting Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
Viking and Fincantieri also announced that contracts have been signed for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031 and an option for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2033.
In total, Viking expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031. In 2028 Viking will have 110 river ships and by 2031 it will have 23 ocean and expedition ships.
Viking’s New Ecofriendly Vessel
Viking has another cutting edge vessel, the Viking Astrea, under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027. It, too will be hydrogen powered.
All of Viking’s ocean ships are classified as a small ships. As such the Viking Libra has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests.
The Viking Libra is a sister ship to other vessels in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet, but she has a propulsion system partially based on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system enables the ship to navigate and operate with zero emissions, allowing it to access the most environmentally sensitive areas.
Viking New Hybrid Fuel Ships
The ship’s unique propulsion system is capable of producing up to six megawatts of power and was enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology.
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he stated “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.”
Torstein Hagen added: “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.”
Viking Libra is Groundbreaking
Pierroberto Folgiero is the CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri and he relayed that “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.”
He added “Furthermore, we are thrilled about Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships, which reaffirms the strength of our partnership, and the trust placed in our expertise. 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 Is An Industry Trendsetter
Viking’s focus on its long-term growth plans and strategy has made it a global leader in experiential travel.
Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. The itineraries are created for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine: Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says that Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™.
Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure giving Viking a distinction that no travel company has earned: simultaneously receiving the same honors by both publications.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.
Leave a reply