Viking celebrates the launch of the Viking Astrea®, the company's second hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of zero-emissions operation. This marks a significant milestone in its construction and the first time the vessel has been in contact with water. The Viking Astrea for delivery in May 2027 and will operate itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe during its inaugural season.
“The launch of the Viking Astrea represents another important milestone for Viking,” said Leah Talactac, Viking’s president and CEO. “From the beginning, we have sought responsible ways to design more efficient ships, and the Viking Astrea is an important step in this ongoing effort.”
The launching ceremony took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona and is particularly significant as it marks the ship's entry into the final phase of its construction. The process began with the cutting of a ceremonial cord, which then allowed water to enter the construction dock. After a two-day process that will bring the Viking Astrea afloat, the ship will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock, where construction and interior fitting-out work will be completed.
Considered a small-sized vessel, like all Viking ocean-going ships, the Viking Astrea will have an approximate gross tonnage of 54,300 tons and will have 499 cabins, with capacity to accommodate 998 passengers.
The Viking Astrea will be a sister ship to Viking's award-winning ocean-going fleet and will be equipped with a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will allow the vessel to navigate and operate with zero emissions, facilitating its access even to environmentally sensitive areas.
Developed with the participation of Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship's state-of-the-art propulsion system will be capable of generating up to six megawatts of power.
The Viking Libra®, considered the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.
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