The Viking Libra, said to be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, has touched water for the first time, Viking said in a press release.
The float out at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard marked a major construction milestone for the 998-guest ship, which is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.
The ship will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking, said: “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.”
The float out ceremony marked the ship’s move into the final stage of construction.
In attendance were 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.
After a two-day process that will set the ship afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out, according to the press release.
Classified as a small ship, the Viking Libra has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms.
Its hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, providing access even to environmentally sensitive areas, the company said.
Fincantieri’s subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM) handled the ship’s propulsion system, which will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.
The company added that its next ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, will also be hydrogen-powered and capable of operating with zero emissions.
This ship is also under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027.
