LOS ANGELES ­— Viking and shipbuilder Fincantieri have revealed plans for the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, set to debut in 2026.

Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the vessel will be capable of operating with zero emissions.

The Viking Libra will be followed by the Viking Astrea, which is also under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027. Like the Libra, the Astrea will be powered by hydrogen, marking a major step forward in sustainable cruising.

Classified as a small ship, the Viking Libra will feature 499 staterooms, accommodating up to 998 guests. While it will share design elements with Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet, the Libra will incorporate a hybrid propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This advanced system, developed with support from Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary specialising in fuel cell technology, will allow the ship to navigate and operate with zero emissions – opening access to some of the world’s most environmentally sensitive areas. The propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

“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. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026.”

As part of its long-term growth strategy, Viking also announced the signing of contracts for two additional ocean ships scheduled for delivery in 2031, with options for two more ships in 2033. Based on the current orderbook, Viking expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031. By then, the fleet will include 110 river ships and 23 ocean and expedition vessels.

For more information go to www.viking.com.