The Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, was launched at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona; it will feature a propulsion system based partly on liquid hydrogen and fuel cells.
The project was developed with a particular focus on environmental considerations, as the vessel will be able to operate with zero emissions, enabling it to access even marine areas that are particularly sensitive from an environmental perspective.
Gilberto Tobaldi, director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, and members of the Viking team attended the ceremony.
The cruise ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. With a gross tonnage of 54,300 tonnes, a length of 239 metres and the capacity to accommodate up to 998 passengers in 499 cabins, the vessel consolidates the partnership between Fincantieri and Viking, which began in 2012, and continues to represent a strong alliance within the cruise industry. Taking into account ships already on order, contracts signed and options agreed in recent months – the effectiveness of which is subject to standard market financing conditions – the total order book between the two groups now stands at 26 vessels.
With an area of approximately 360,000 square metres, the Ancona shipyard has a production capacity of 60,000 gross tonnes, lifting systems with a capacity of up to 500 tonnes and a monthly hull-building capacity of approximately 1,200 tonnes.
Furthermore, investments are planned to further increase the plant’s production capacity. Since 2009, more than 20 vessels have been delivered, thanks to the daily work of approximately 3,700 workers.
The plant plays a strategic role within the Fincantieri Group’s industrial network and is part of the Operational Excellence programme, which aims to introduce advanced technological solutions to improve production efficiency and work quality, ranging from automation and collaborative robots to the use of augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
News and image obtained: "Portal Portuario"
https://portalportuario.cl/fincantieri-bota-primer-crucero-alimentado-por-hidrogeno/
