The state-controlled Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri is building more ships for the Swiss cruise line Viking Cruises.
The Italian shipbuilding group has confirmed what had been expected for some time: Viking has exercised the option, agreed in April 2025, for two further cruise ships in the smaller segment of the expedition cruise market. The ships will be built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, with delivery scheduled for 2032.
The value of the contract, which is subject to financing and other standard contractual conditions, has not been specified, but is described in the announcement as ‘substantial’. In the shipbuilder’s terminology, this refers to a value of between €500 million and €1 billion. The new ships will have a gross tonnage of around 54,300 GT and accommodate 998 passengers in 499 cabins.
The shipyard and the shipping company have known each other for years. The most recent vessel delivered was the ‘Viking Mira ’. The ‘strong partnership’ now comprises 28 ships. Based on its current order book, Viking expects the delivery of 24 additional river cruise ships by 2028, nine further ocean-going vessels by 2031 and four further expedition ships by 2031. This would mean that Viking would have 114 river vessels by 2028 and 28 ocean-going and expedition vessels by 2031.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “Today’s agreement marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with Viking. Over the years, Ancona has established itself as an indispensable production site for our group, delivering highly complex cruise ships that set new standards in terms of technology, luxury and efficiency. Awarding these newbuilds to Ancona reinforces the site’s strategic importance, secures high-quality jobs in the region and ensures long-term industrial continuity for our supply chain.”
