• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
Viking announced that the Viking Astrea, the company's second hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, was launched at Fincantieri, marking a significant milestone in its construction and the first time the ship has touched water.
This vessel is a sister ship to Viking's award-winning ocean fleet and will feature a propulsion system based partially on liquid hydrogen and fuel cells. This system will allow it to sail and operate with zero emissions, enabling it to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas.
Thanks to Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a subsidiary of Fincantieri specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship's cutting-edge propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.
The Viking Libra, the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, is scheduled for delivery in November 2026. Scheduled for delivery in May 2027, Viking Astrea will spend its inaugural season sailing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
"The launch of Viking Astrea represents another important milestone for Viking. From the beginning, we have sought ingenious ways to design more efficient ships, and Viking Astrea is a significant step forward in that ongoing effort," stated Leah Talactac, President and CEO of Viking.
The launching ceremony took place at the Ancona shipyard and is significant because it marks the beginning of the final construction phase of the vessel. The Viking Astrea event began with the cutting of a ceremonial rope that signaled the entry of water into the construction dock. Following a two-day process that will allow the vessel to float, it will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for its final construction and interior fitting.
Classified as a small ship, like all of the shipping company's ocean vessels, the Viking Astrea is approximately 54,300 gross tons, with 499 staterooms that can accommodate 998 guests.
