Viking Unveils First Hydrogen-Powered Ships, Orders Two Vessels
The cruise industry’s so-called green transition took a big leap forward with the announcement that the world’s first, fully hydrogen-powered cruise ships are being built for Viking Ocean Cruises at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
Slated for delivery in 2026 and 2027, Viking Libra will be the first to debut, followed by Viking Astrea. Both will have a hydrogen propulsion system designed by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary.
IFM will build the systems with onboard containers able to store enough hydrogen to power ship operations with virtually no emissions, and avoid potential supply chain issues while voyages are underway.
Viking and Fincantieri also disclosed that the cruise line has placed orders for two new ships, both to be delivered in 2031, and options for two additional vessels.
Hydrogen is widely seen as a catalyst for the cruise industry since it generates electrical power in a fuel cell, and in doing so emits only water vapor and warm air. The power source has potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, according to the US Department of Energy.
When completed, the propulsion systems aboard Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, coupled with advanced fuel cell technology, will produce up to 6 megawatts of power, enough to support navigation and operations.
Viking Libra will introduce the technology to the cruise industry when the 54,300-gross ton ship enters service in late 2026. Both ships will have a capacity of 998 guests and will be able to sail in highly sensitive environments.
“From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud that 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,” added Hagen.
Fincantieri officials point out that its hydrogen-powered system will set the bar for sustainable maritime transportation in the future.
“Beyond shipbuilding, we are driving a systemic evolution by integrating cutting-edge technologies, fostering supply chain innovation, and creating a model for the widespread adoption of hydrogen in the maritime sector,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri.
Hydrogen Power on the Cusp of Expansion
Viking Ocean Cruises is not the only cruise line with the goal of building hydrogen-powered vessels. Explora Journeys, the luxury brand operated by MSC Group, has plans to use a combination of hydrogen and liquified natural gas (LNG) for its fifth and sixth ships in the fleet.
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The line has two ships currently operating — both Explora I and Explora II were built at Fincantieri shipyards but are powered by traditional fuels.
Viking Ocean Cruises is a fast-growing fleet. In October 2024 it ordered two ships from Fincantieri, both due to launch in 2030. It also placed options for four more ships at that time, with deliveries in 2031 and 2032.
Now under construction for the line are Viking Mira, set to launch in 2026, and Viking Vesta, due in July 2025. The cruise line’s newest ship, the 998-guest Viking Vela, entered service in December 2024, bringing the fleet to 13.
Viking Unveils First Hydrogen-Powered Ships, Orders Two Vessels