Viking is one step closer to adding another hydrogen-powered ship to its ocean fleet. The cruise line has floated out the Viking Astrea, marking the first time the new ship has touched water.
Scheduled for delivery in May 2027, the 998-passenger ship will make its debut in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The Viking Astrea is the second Viking ocean ship designed with a hydrogen-based propulsion system capable of operating with zero emissions, following the Viking Libra, which is scheduled to enter service in Nov. 2026.
“The float-out of the Viking Astrea represents another important milestone for Viking,” said Leah Talactac, President and CEO of Viking, in a press statement. “From the beginning, we have sought thoughtful ways to design more efficient ships, and the Viking Astrea is an important step forward in that ongoing effort.”
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The float-out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard in Italy, where the ship will now move to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior work.
The Viking Astrea will measure approximately 54,300 gross tons and feature 499 staterooms accommodating up to 998 guests.
Its hybrid propulsion system will combine liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, with technology from Fincantieri subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM) capable of producing up to six megawatts of power. According to Viking, the system will allow the ship to operate with zero emissions and access environmentally sensitive areas.
For more information, visit vikingcruises.com.
