Viking has announced that the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, has been “floated out.”
This major construction milestone marks the first time that the Viking Libra has touched water.
The Viking Libra is scheduled this November 2026 and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The Company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, is also under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027. It, too, is hydrogen-powered and capable of operating with zero emissions.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he remarked: “The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri.”
“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 Viking Libra Float out at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard
The Viking Libra’s float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard and is a special milestone because it signals that the ship is near its final stage of construction.
The float out of the Viking Libra began with a ceremonial cord cut that allowed water to flow into the ship’s building dock. During a two-day process the Viking Libra will be fully afloat, and next moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
The Viking Libra Float Out Was Attended by Industry VIP’s
The auspicious ceremony was attended by Karine Hagen, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Product, and Enrico Prunotto, Senior Vice President of Viking’s Ocean Passenger Operations. Also in attendance was Fincantieri’s Gilberto Tobaldi, Director of the Ancona Shipyard.
All of Viking’s ocean ships are classified as small ships, and as such the Viking Libra has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests.
The Viking Libra is considered a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet and has a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells.
The hybrid propulsion system makes her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, allowing her access to environmentally sensitive areas.
The ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system, enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, is capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.
Viking Creates Experiences For The Thinking Person
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 has been influential in Viking’s illustrious industry standing.
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 and rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received these honors.
Additionally, Viking earned eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards and, for the fifth year in a row scored 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.
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