1 April 2026
Hydrogen sets sail with the world’s first hydrogen powered cruise ship
Viking has reached a major milestone in maritime decarbonisation with the float-out of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions. The vessel, which has now touched water for the first time at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, marks a significant step toward bringing hydrogen into large-scale maritime applications. Equipped with a hybrid propulsion system based on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, the ship is designed to enable zero-emission operations, including access to environmentally sensitive areas. Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the 998-guest vessel will begin sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, demonstrating how hydrogen can move beyond pilot projects and into commercial deployment. By investing in hydrogen as a true zero-emission solution, Viking is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable shipping and showcasing the potential of hydrogen to transform the cruise industry.