LOS ANGELES — Viking has reached a major milestone in the development of what it says is the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, with the Viking Libra now floated out for the first time.

The float out ceremony, which took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard on March 19, 2026, marks the vessel’s initial contact with water and signals its transition into the final stage of construction. The ship is scheduled for delivery in November 2026, with inaugural itineraries planned in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Karine Hagen, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Product, with members of the Viking and Fincantieri teams at the float out ceremony—Credit 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,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “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.”

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

The Viking Libra is designed with a hybrid propulsion system that incorporates liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, enabling the ship to operate with zero emissions. This technology is expected to allow access to environmentally sensitive destinations that may otherwise be restricted to traditional cruise ships.

The propulsion system, developed with support from Fincantieri subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori, will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

Once floated out, the ship will be moved to an outfitting dock where final construction and interior work will be completed ahead of its launch.

Enrico Prunotto, Viking’s Senior Vice President of Ocean Passenger Operation, thanks the shipyard at the float out ceremony—Credit Viking

Classified as a small ship like all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Libra will have a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 and feature 499 staterooms accommodating up to 998 guests.

The vessel will join Viking’s existing ocean fleet while introducing new propulsion technology that sets it apart from its sister ships.

Viking has also confirmed that a second hydrogen-powered vessel, the Viking Astrea, is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Lead image caption: Viking Libra is floated out at a ceremony in Ancona, Italy — Credit Viking