Viking and Fincantieri announce hydrogen-powered cruise ship folly

Viking and Fincantieri today announced details of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero local emissions.

Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. The company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen powered.

Viking Libra will have a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can 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 local emissions.

Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary involved in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

Viking and Fincantieri also today 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.

Based on the committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 110 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

(Hydrogen is hard to obtain, difficult and dangerous to store, highly expensive and, generally, an appalling waste of time and money just to signal what a virtuous company you are - Ed.)