Viking announced the float out of the world’s first
hydrogen-powered cruise ship, the Viking Libra.
Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the ship, capable
of operating with zero admissions, will spend the inaugural season sailing
itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona
Shipyard in Trieste, Italy, beginning with a ceremonial cord cut that signaled
water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process setting
the vessel afloat, Viking Libra will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for
final construction and interior build-out.
The ceremony was attended by Fincantieri’s Gilberto Tobaldi,
Director of the Ancona Shipyard, as well as members of the Viking team,
including Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Product, and Enrico
Prunotto, Senior Vice President of Ocean Passenger Operations.
"The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone
for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri,” said Torstein
Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking in a statement.
He added, “From the beginning, our approach to ship design
has focused on reducing fuel consumption, and the Viking Libra is our most
environmentally friendly vessel yet. Investing in hydrogen was a principled
choice for Viking, offering a true zero‑emission solution, and we look
forward to welcoming the world’s first
hydrogen‑powered cruise ship to our fleet.”
Viking Libra, with a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300
tons will offer 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. Her propulsion system
based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells provides the capability of
navigating and operating with zero admissions and producing up to six megawatts
of power.
Viking Astrea, the line’s subsequent ocean ship also under
construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027 will also be hydrogen-powered
and capable of zero emissions.
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