World’s Second Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship Launched By Fincantieri

Viking has floated out its second hydrogen-powered cruise ship, Viking Astrea, at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard in Italy.

The float-out marks the first time the ship has touched water and moves it into the final stage of construction.

Viking Astrea is due to be delivered in May 2027 and will spend its first season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The ship will use a hybrid propulsion system that combines liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. The system will produce up to 6 megawatts (MW) of power and will allow the ship to operate with zero emissions, according to Viking.

The system is being developed and supplied by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary that specialises in advanced fuel cell technology.

Viking said the zero-emission capability will allow Viking Astrea to operate in even the most environmentally sensitive areas.

The float-out ceremony was held at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard. It started when a ceremonial cord was cut, allowing water to enter the ship’s building dock.

The process will take two days. Once the ship is afloat, it will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock. Work on the ship’s final construction and interiors will then continue.

Viking Astrea has a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tons. The ship will have 499 staterooms and can accommodate up to 998 guests.

It is classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships.

The vessel is a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet. Its propulsion system combines liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells and will have a power output of up to 6 MW.

The float-out comes after Viking unveiled the Viking Libra in March.

Viking describes Viking Libra as the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions. The ship is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

Reference: vikingcruises