The cruise line Viking and the Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri want to break new ground and build the “world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board”. The order book for newbuilds is also being increased.
The two companies announced the plans today at the Seatrade Cruise Global trade fair in Miami.
Another new feature of the project is that the hydrogen stored on board will be used for both propulsion and power generation. The ship, named “Viking Libra”, is currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona and is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2026.
With dimensions of around 54,300 and a length of 239 m, the “Viking Libra” will be able to accommodate up to 998 people in 499 cabins. As it can be driven and operated emission-free, it should also be able to be used in ecologically sensitive areas, the shipping company and the state-controlled Italian shipbuilder said in a statement.
The cruise liner will reportedly be equipped with a state-of-the-art new hydrogen propulsion system that can generate up to six megawatts of power in combination with fuel cell technology. Viking’s next cruise ship in the Fincantieri order book, the “Viking Astrea”, which is also being built in Ancona and is due to be delivered in 2027, will also be powered by hydrogen.
“An important contribution” will come from Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in fuel cell technologies, which is to supply tailor-made solutions for the “Viking Libra”, it continues.
At least two more newbuilds for Viking
The ship will be equipped with innovative solutions for loading and storing hydrogen directly on board, with a container system designed to overcome the “currently critical problems in the supply chain”. The hydrogen will power a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell system specifically designed and manufactured for cruise operations.
Fincantieri and Viking also announced today the signing of an agreement for the construction of two new cruise ships to be delivered in 2031, plus an option for two additional vessels. The value of the agreement, subject to financing and other conditions typical of this type of contract, has been classified as “high”. Fincantieri’s range for this is €500 million to €1 billion.
The new units will be positioned in the small cruise ship segment, measuring approximately 54,300 tons and accommodating 998 passengers in 499 cabins on board.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, said of the “Viking Libra” project: “This milestone is a defining moment in our journey towards net zero, in line with our industry plan, and underlines Fincantieri’s role as a catalyst for change in the industry. Beyond shipbuilding, we are driving systemic development by integrating cutting-edge technologies, fostering innovation in the supply chain and creating a model for the large-scale adoption of hydrogen in the maritime sector.”
