Viking has announced the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship with storage on board, Viking Libra, is under construction with delivery by late 2026.
Another hydrogen-powered small ship, Viking Astrea, will follow the construction of Viking Libra at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy in 2027.
Viking Neptune was the first ship in the cruise industry to test hydrogen power back in 2022.
Classified as a small ship, Viking Libra will have 499 staterooms to host 998 guests. While the ship is considered a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, she will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells.
This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, allowing the ship to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas.
Viking CEO & Chair Torstein Hagen said: “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.”
“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 addition of Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, alongside the order of another two ocean ships by 2031, will swell the cruise line’s ocean fleet to 21 ships by 2031. Viking has also indicated the option of two more ocean ships for delivery in 2033.
For more info, visit vikingcruises.com.au
