Viking has placed an order for two additional ocean cruise ships from Fincantieri, and confirmed that its upcoming vessels Viking Libra and Viking Astrea will be hydrogen-powered.

The vessels will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ships, capable of operating with zero emissions. 

Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, while Viking Astrea, also under construction, is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, 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 award-winning 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, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. 

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

“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,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO 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,” he added.

“With 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,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. 

“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.” 

Viking’s order with Fincantieri includes 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.