Fincantieri and Viking Introduce the Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Vessel

Fincantieri and Viking are shaking things up in the cruise industry with their groundbreaking announcement of the first-ever hydrogen-powered cruise ship. The Viking Libra, currently being built at the Ancona shipyard in Italy, is set to make waves by late 2026.

This sleek vessel, weighing in at 54,000 GT and accommodating around 1,000 passengers, will run on hydrogen fuel cells. This means it can operate without emitting any carbon—perfect timing as Norway’s stunning World Heritage fjords are moving towards stricter environmental regulations.

The ship will be equipped with fuel cells that generate up to six megawatts of power—think about 8,000 horsepower! Fincantieri’s own Isotta Fraschini is providing this cutting-edge PEM fuel cell technology. To tackle challenges related to hydrogen storage and supply chains, they’ve developed a smart containerized system for fueling.

“Viking has made a bold choice by investing in hydrogen technology for a truly zero-emission experience,” shared Torstein Hagen, viking’s chairman and CEO. “We can’t wait to add this innovative ship to our fleet!”

A sister ship named Viking astrea is also on the horizon and will feature similar hydrogen capabilities; it’s already under construction alongside Libra. In an exciting twist,Fincantieri has inked a deal with Viking for two additional vessels slated for delivery by 2031.

“We’re leading a transformative journey by merging advanced technologies with innovative supply chain solutions,” stated Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “This initiative sets the stage for broader adoption of hydrogen across various industries.”