In a landmark step toward sustainable maritime travel, Viking Cruises has announced the upcoming debut of the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen, developed in partnership with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Named Viking Libra, the vessel is under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is slated for delivery in late 2026.

The Viking Libra will be capable of operating with zero emissions, marking a pivotal advancement in the cruise industry's transition toward green technology. The ship will include 499 staterooms and accommodate up to 998 guests, incorporating a propulsion system that runs partly on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. The hydrogen will also be used for onboard electricity generation, positioning the vessel as a pioneer in carbon-free cruising.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. “From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud that 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,” he said.

READ MORE: Whales in Hot Water: Will Climate Change Disrupt Their Migration?

This innovation doesn’t stop with Libra. A second hydrogen-powered ship, Viking Astrea, is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027.

The ships will use a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell system optimized for cruise operations. To address hydrogen storage and supply chain challenges, Fincantieri is implementing a containerized system that will allow the ship to load and store hydrogen directly onboard—an engineering milestone in itself.

Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero commented, “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… This new order is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry.”

This partnership between Viking and Fincantieri underscores a broader shift in the shipping industry toward clean energy solutions. By prioritizing innovation in fuel technology and design, the two companies are charting a course toward a lower-carbon future—one cruise at a time.

Join the ESG Marketplace to discover how sustainable technologies are transforming transport, energy, and finance—with actionable insights and solution partners ready to move the needle.

Visit our ESG EVENTS for thought leadership and executive insights into navigating geopolitical risk and ESG in finance.

Visit our ESG EDUCATE for in-depth resources on policy, trade, and sustainable innovation.