Viking Libra, the first hydrogen-run cruise ship in the world, recently reached a big construction milestone. It will have a hybrid propulsion system that makes use of liquefied hydrogen fuel cells as one of its sources of power.
Viking Cruise Line operated the ship, which was floated out on March 19 at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard. During this process, the dry dock gets filled with water so that the newly built hull can float for the first time.
Once it is up and running in November 2026, it will be able to operate with no emissions, which is a big step forward for the cruise ship.
This also marks the shift from putting together the ship’s framework to setting the inside, which is usually the last step in the construction process.
The last stage of building the Viking Libra will take place at a nearby outfitting dock.
As per Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman and CEO, said, The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri. Our goal with ship design from the start has been to use less fuel, and the Viking Libra is our most eco-friendly ship to date.
In its inaugural season, the ship is going to sail around Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
How is Viking Libra going to be emissions-free?
This first hydrogen-run cruise ship in the world has an internal volume of about 54,300 tons, and like all Viking ships, it is small. Its propulsion system is a mix of fuel cells as well as liquefied hydrogen.
The ship will be able to run and navigate without releasing any pollutants, and it will also be able to reach areas that are very sensitive to the environment. The propulsion system of Viking Libra will also be able to make up to six megawatts of power all thanks to advanced fuel cell technology.
When it’s completed, it will have 499 staterooms that can hold up to 998 guests, as well as restaurants, a gym, and a Nordic spa.
In the same way, Viking is also building the Viking Astrea, which will be hydrogen-powered and have no emissions. It is set to launch in 2027.
The launch of Viking Libra is coming up at a time when cruise lines are trying to be more environmentally friendly and lessen the effects of maritime travel.
It was in October 2025 that the Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten started its first climate-neutral voyage on the MS Richard With. The ship traveled 5,000 miles round trip along the coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.
The ship runs on 100% biofuel made from materials such as cooking oil and fat waste.
According to Hedda Felin, the CEO of Hurtigruten, This marks a historic moment in Hurtigruten’s more than 130-year legacy along the Norwegian coast. Most importantly, it’s further proof that emission cuts are possible today by using sustainable biodiesel, without the need to invest billions in new ships or infrastructure.
It is well to be noted that Havila Voyages, which is another Norwegian cruise line, also started its first climate-neutral voyage along the same route in 2025 November.
The cruise seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% as compared to fossil fuels by making use of a mix of battery power as well as liquefied biogas.