TRIESTE – In Ancona, Fincantieri has launched Viking Libra, the world’s first cruise ship designed to operate with hydrogen propulsion.
The ceremony took place at the Marche yard in the presence of yard director Gilberto Tobaldi and representatives of shipowner Viking. The vessel is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. With a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tonnes, a length of 239 metres and capacity for up to 998 passengers in 499 cabins, the ship represents a technological leap for the cruise sector.
The propulsion system will be based in part on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, enabling zero-emission operations while sailing. This will also allow access to environmentally sensitive areas. The project is part of the collaboration launched in 2012 between Fincantieri and Viking, which now includes an overall portfolio of 26 units between ships ordered, contracts signed and options, subject to the financing conditions typical of the market.
The Ancona yard, covering about 360,000 square metres, is one of the group’s key production hubs. It has production capacity of up to 60,000 gross tonnes, lifting systems of up to 500 tonnes and monthly hull construction capacity of about 1,200 tonnes. More than 20 ships have been delivered since 2009, with a workforce of about 3,700 employees. The yard is involved in Fincantieri’s Operations Excellence programme, aimed at improving productivity and quality through automation, collaborative robots, augmented reality and artificial intelligence applications. Further investments are planned to increase the site’s production capacity.
