by InTrieste
In a landmark move toward sustainable travel, Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri and cruise line Viking announced on Tuesday the construction of the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship.
Named Viking Libra, the vessel is currently taking shape at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona and is expected to set sail by the end of 2026. The ship will be the first in the cruise industry to utilize hydrogen stored on board for both propulsion and onboard electricity—offering a glimpse into a future of zero-emission maritime travel.
Designed to carry 998 passengers in 499 cabins, Viking Libra will span 239 meters and weigh in at roughly 54,300 gross tons. The ship will rely on a next-generation propulsion system powered by polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, generating up to six megawatts of power. According to Fincantieri, this will allow the ship to operate entirely emission-free, making it capable of accessing even the most environmentally sensitive regions.
The project is being supported by Isotta Fraschini Motori, a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in fuel cell technology. The company will supply a custom-built hydrogen system for the Viking Libra, including an innovative containerized storage solution designed to overcome current supply chain hurdles.
The ship is the first of its kind in the cruise sector and is part of Viking’s broader effort to decarbonize its fleet. A second hydrogen-powered vessel, the Viking Astrea, is already in production at the same Ancona facility and is expected to be delivered in 2027.
“The ability to integrate such groundbreaking technologies on board marks a turning point not just for our company, but for the maritime industry as a whole,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, in a statement.
In a further sign of deepening collaboration, Fincantieri and Viking also revealed they had signed a new agreement for the construction of two additional cruise ships, scheduled for delivery in 2031, with an option for two more. The value of the deal, while not disclosed, was described by the companies as “significant,” and remains subject to financing and standard contractual terms.
The new ships, like their predecessors, will comply with the latest environmental and maritime safety regulations and will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology aimed at reducing their ecological footprint.
With governments and industries worldwide under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, the Viking Libra could serve as a bellwether for what’s to come in the luxury travel sector—a future where cruising doesn’t mean compromising the planet.
