Viking Cruises introduced plans to introduce the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, able to working with zero emissions. The ship, the Viking Libra, is being constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Ancona shipyard, and is scheduled for supply in late 2026.
Switzerland-based Viking conducts ocean, lake and river cruises all through the world. Viking stated that the Libra, with 499 staterooms that may host 998 visitors, and can have a propulsion system based mostly partially on liquefied hydrogen and gas cells, changing into the world’s first able to utilizing hydrogen energy for each propulsion and onboard electrical energy technology. One other hydrogen-powered ship underneath building by Fincantieri, the Viking Astrea, is about for supply in 2027.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, stated:
“From the outset, now we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to scale back their gas consumption, and we’re very proud that the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea can be much more environmentally pleasant. Viking made the principled resolution to put money into hydrogen, which affords a real zero-emission resolution. We look ahead to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026.”
In line with Ficantieri, the brand new ship will characteristic options to load and retailer hydrogen straight onboard utilizing a containerized system, overcoming hydrogen provide chain constraints. Hydrogen will energy a polymer electrolyte membrane gas cells system, particularly optimized for cruise operations.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated:
“With the Viking Libra, we’re not solely delivering the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen saved on board, however we’re additionally reinforcing our dedication to shaping the way forward for sustainable maritime transportation… This new order is a testomony to our shared imaginative and prescient for a extra sustainable cruise business, as collectively we proceed to set new requirements for innovation and accountable shipbuilding.”
