Posted on 04/10/2025

Cruising just took a giant step towards becoming a lot cleaner and better for the environment and seas we love to sail. Viking and its shipbuilder, Fincantieri, have revealed they’re building the first-ever cruise ship powered by hydrogen, developed by a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology. 

That will allow the ship to operate with zero – yes, zero – emissions. 

The ship has already been named the Viking Libra, and will be delivered, not years from now, but in 2026. 

Zero emissions capabilities by 2026. That’s music to the ears of people who love to cruise but who also want to protect the world we explore.

Zero emissions will also allow the new ship to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas, opening up new – sustainable – cruise travel horizons for Viking passengers. 

Viking isn’t stopping there. Its next ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, is also currently under construction. Scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered. 

The cruise line says it’s been focused on making progress in sustainability throughout Viking’s 30-year growth as a company. 

“From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud 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.”

"With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world's first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. 

He says that Viking’s order of two additional ships “is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, as together we continue to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding."

Viking’s ocean ships are considered ‘small ships,’ and like her sister ships in the ocean fleet, the Viking Libra will host just under 1000 guests. 

Viking and Fincantieri also announced two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031 and an option for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2033. With these orders, Viking will have 110 river ships by 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships by 2031.

More About Viking  

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world in its river, ocean and expedition ships. 

Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences “For The Thinking Person.” Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications. 

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Image: Viking

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