CRUISING: Viking floats-out the world’s first Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship

“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.

“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 took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard in Italy and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction.

Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Libra has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. While considered a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet, the Viking Libra will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells.

This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the Viking Libra will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe – Image: Viking Cruises

The Company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered and capable of operating with zero emissions.

With a clear focus on creating experiences For The Thinking Person™, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach resonates with guests, and recently Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Additional recognition includes eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards and, for the fifth year in a row, top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.” Viking also earned AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.

About Viking

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name. For more information visit www.viking.com.

About Fincantieri

The Fincantieri Ancona shipyard is a specialized Italian shipbuilding facility focused on constructing high-value luxury cruise ships and small-to-medium-sized vessels. As of late 2025, the yard is undergoing a €40 million expansion and modernization project to increase capacity for larger ships, operating under a concession running until 2064. The site is noted for building advanced, eco-friendly ships, including the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, Viking Libra.

NAN/Viking 26-3-26

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