Norwegian Viking Cruises and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri recently announced a collaboration to build the world's frst hydrogen-powered cruise ship, the Viking Libra. The vessel is under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard in ltaly, with a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, a length of 239 meters, and 499 cabins accommodating 998 passengers. It is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. The ship will utilize an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system with an output power of 6,000 kW, enablingzeroemission navigation and future access to environmentally sensitive regions wheretraditional cruise ships are prohibited. Hydrogen will be stored onboard via a containerized system for use in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, a system provided by lFM, a subsidiary of Fincantieri specializing in fuel cell technology. Viking CruisesChairman Torstein Hagen stated that hydrogen energy technology offers a true zero-emission solution, and the Viking Libra and its successor, the Viking Astrea, will further solidify the company's leadership in environmental sustainability.
Source: Fincantieri
