Viking’s second hydrogen fuel cell cruise ship moves to outfitting

Viking’s second hydrogen fuel cell-powered cruise ship, Viking Astrea, has entered its final stage of construction, following a floating-out ceremony on 11 September at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard.

Scheduled for delivery in May 2027, Viking Astrea will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The New York-listed cruise ship owner said Viking Astrea will begin final construction and interior build-out at the shipyard’s nearby outfitting dock.

The 239 m cruise ship has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can accommodate 998 passengers. The ship’s propulsion system relies partly on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will allow the ship to operate with zero emissions in the most environmentally sensitive areas.

Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specialising in advanced fuel cell technology, developed the ship’s propulsion system, which is capable of producing 6 MW of power.

Fincantieri will deliver Viking Mira, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, in November 2026.