Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, will sail Mediterranean & Northern European itineraries its first season. This ship’s propulsion system utilizes liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, producing up to six megawatts of power and features the capability to create zero emissions. This advancement – enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori, a subsidiary of Fincantieri – will allow the ship to visit environmentally sensitive areas its competition cannot. Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.
Float Out Ceremony at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard
“The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “From the beginning, our approach to ship design has focused on reducing fuel consumption, and the Viking Libra is our most environmentally friendly vessel yet. Investing in hydrogen was a principled choice for Viking, offering a true zero emission solution, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet.”
Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard hosted Viking Libra’s float out ceremony. A ship’s float out ceremony marks its move to the final stage of construction. In attendance at the ceremony were Fincantieri’s Director of the Ancona Shipyard, Gilberto Tobaldi, as well as members of the Viking team. These team members included Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Product, and Enrico Prunotto, Senior Vice President of Ocean Passenger Operations.
Viking Libra is classified as a small ship, like the other Viking ocean ships, with 499 staterooms and a guest capacity of 998 people. Its gross tonnage is approximately 54,300 tons. Unlike the sister ships in Viking’s current ocean fleet, this ship has a hybrid propulsion system that makes it capable of operating with zero emissions. Viking Astrea, scheduled for delivery in 2027, features a hydrogen-powered propulsion system as well.
For more information about Viking Cruises, visit https://www.vikingcruises.com/.