A second hydrogen powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions has reached a major construction milestone ahead of its planned debut in May 2027.
Viking Astrea has been floated out at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy, marking the first time the vessel has touched water and the beginning of the final stage of construction.
The ship will now move to an outfitting dock for completion of its interiors and remaining construction work before delivery.
Viking Astrea will carry up to 998 guests across 499 staterooms and its inaugural season will include itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The vessel will use a hybrid propulsion system based partly on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.
Leah Talactac, Viking President and CEO, said the ship represented another step in the company’s efforts to improve efficiency across its fleet.
“From the beginning, we have sought thoughtful ways to design more efficient ships, and the Viking Astrea is an important step forward in that ongoing effort,” Ms Talactac said.
The propulsion technology is being developed with Isotta Fraschini Motori, a Fincantieri subsidiary specialising in fuel cell systems.
Viking Astrea will follow sister ship Viking Libra, which is scheduled for delivery in November and is expected to become the world’s first hydrogen powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions.
