Jan 29
World's First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship Coming in Late 2026
- Scott Way
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Viking Cruises will launch the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship in partnership with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The vessel is already under construction at the company's Ancona yard in Italy.
The next-gen vessel will be called the Viking Libra.
Viking currently has two vessels in production. The Libra is set to be delivered in late 2026, while the Viking Astrea is set to launch in 2027. The Astrea will also be hydrogen-powered. The Libra will feature a hybrid propulsion system that uses liquified hydrogen to power a PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel system. According to Viking and Fincantieri, the system will generate up to six megawatts of power and will enable the ship to sail with zero emissions, allowing access to more environmentally sensitive regions.
Torstein Hagen, chief executive of Viking, said in a press release: “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."
“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.” The Viking Libra will have a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tons and will house 499 cabins and accommodate up to 998 passengers. She will carry an LOA of 784 feet (238 m) with a 101-foot (30 m) beam.
Some of her many features includes six different classes of staterooms, a fitness center, a hair salon, a Nordic spa, and multiple restaurants and dining facilities.
Interested travelers can even take a 360 virtual tour of the entire vessel to see its accommodations and features before getting underway.
"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.
“Furthermore, we are thrilled about Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships, which reaffirms the strength of our partnership, and the trust placed in our expertise. This new order 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 is also set to launch the Vesta in summer 2025. The ship will operate on a hybrid propulsion system that uses both liquid hydrogen and fuel cells. The move is part of a larger trend within the cruise ship industry to attract travelers to a broader a wider array of adventures and destinations. Those looking to support an eco-friendly adventure or those interested in exploring areas previously inaccessible by ship, can now consider the Libra. Canada launched the Le Commandant Charcot on the St. Lawrence River for winter 2025. The icebreaker cruise ship is owned by French company Ponant and is the first of its kind. The ship offers four-season adventures along the major waterway and includes unique port stops for things like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Other cruise ships are exploring alternative fuels as well, including MSC Cruises and Havila Voyages, both of whom are currently developing vessels powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). Two ships for MSC Cruises powered by LNG are set to launch in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Havila Voyages, offers sustainable voyages along the Norwegian coast with their four LNG-powered ships. Cruise ship enthusiasts can also embrace the new era in cryptocurrency as Virgin Cruises announced they would be the first cruise line to accept Bitcoin late last year. You can see the new Viking ships under construction in the video below: