Builds world’s first hydrogen cruise ship as LNG falls behind
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 14
- 10 min read
Viking Cruises is set to make maritime history with the construction of the Viking Libra, the world's first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored onboard. Currently under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
In a bold move that challenges prevailing trends in maritime fuel choices, Viking Cruises Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen has publicly dismissed liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a viable long-term solution for the cruise industry's decarbonization efforts. Instead, he is steering Viking towards hydrogen-powered vessels, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation.
In a bold step toward greener travel, Viking Cruises has recently announced a press release about the construction of the world’s first cruise ship powered by liquid hydrogen. Named Viking Libra, the ship is under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
«We certainly know that LNG is not the solution for the future, so we can cut that one out,» Hagen stated during a recent press conference. He acknowledged LNG's current advantages—being cheap and easy to use—but emphasized its shortcomings in achieving zero emissions.
«If you are heading towards zero emissions, LNG is not the way. I don’t want to offend anybody in the industry, but that’s what we have learned» Torstein Hagen CEO Viking cruises
Despite recognizing the challenges associated with hydrogen, such as supply and storage issues, Hagen views it as a promising avenue for the future. Viking has already taken significant steps in this direction, with two hydrogen-powered vessels on order. These ships will utilize onboard hydrogen storage for both propulsion and electricity generation, marking a significant shift in cruise ship design and operation.
Viking's commitment to hydrogen aligns with broader industry trends, as other shipping companies also explore this alternative fuel. For instance, the MF Hydra, operated by Norwegian company Norled, is the world's first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry, utilizing Ballard's fuel cells for propulsion.
Additionally, companies like Shell are investing in hydrogen vessels, aiming to be leaders in the global hydrogen economy.
The push towards hydrogen is further supported by advancements in technology and infrastructure. Air Products, a leading hydrogen supplier, has implemented over 250 fueling stations in 20 countries, facilitating the adoption of hydrogen fuel in maritime applications.
In a bold step toward greener travel, Viking Cruises has recently announced the construction of the world’s first cruise ship powered by liquid hydrogen. Named Viking Libra, the ship is under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
The Viking Libra will run on a hybrid propulsion system that combines hydrogen fuel cells and liquefied hydrogen stored on board, making it capable of sailing with zero emissions. This makes the ship especially suitable for entering fragile natural environments and emissions-controlled ports. The ship will weigh approximately 54,300 gross tons and carry 998 guests across 499 staterooms.
Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen emphasized that the company chose hydrogen because it represents a truly clean fuel alternative. He described the move as a «principled decision" that supports the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
This announcement comes with more news: Viking and shipbuilder Fincantieri have also signed agreements to build a second hydrogen-powered ship, to be named Viking Astrea, due in 2027. On top of that, two additional cruise ships have been ordered, with options for two more, potentially bringing Viking’s total ocean fleet to 21 ships by 2031.
For Fincantieri, this project showcases the shipyard’s growing role in developing sustainable maritime technologies. The use of hydrogen, while still limited by current supply and storage infrastructure, is seen by many in the industry as a future cornerstone of clean energy at sea.
With this move, Viking places itself ahead of the curve in the cruise industry's slow but growing transition toward zero-emission technologies.
Actively exploring hydrogen propulsion
Moreover, organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging the shift to alternative fuels like hydrogen.
Several cruise and maritime companies are actively exploring hydrogen propulsion as a sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels:
Explora Journeys (MSC Group): MSC's luxury brand, Explora Journeys, has confirmed orders for two hydrogen-powered vessels, Explora V and Explora VI, with deliveries planned for 2027 and 2028. These ships will utilize a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen fuel cells to reduce emissions.
Havila Voyages: The Norwegian cruise company is pioneering sustainable ship technology with its fleet of plug-in hybrid cruise ships, including the Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux. These vessels feature large battery systems and are designed to transition to renewable biogas by 2028 and explore hydrogen fuel options by 2030.
DFDS: The Danish ferry operator plans to introduce the Europa Seaways, a hydrogen-powered ferry, by 2027. This initiative aims to significantly cut emissions on the Copenhagen to Oslo route, aligning with the EU's goal for zero-carbon ships by 2030.
Energy Observer: Launched in 2017, the Energy Observer is the first vessel to be autonomous in energy, utilizing a mix of renewable energy sources and renewable hydrogen produced onboard. The project serves as a floating laboratory to test innovative energy architectures in extreme conditions.
These initiatives reflect a growing commitment within the maritime industry to invest in hydrogen propulsion technologies, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable cruising.
Several major cruise lines are also actively investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel to reduce emissions and meet environmental regulations. These companies view LNG as a practical step toward decarbonizing the cruise industry while alternative fuels like hydrogen and methanol continue to develop.
Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation leads the industry in LNG adoption, with nine LNG-powered cruise ships in operation as of January 2024 and four more scheduled to join the fleet by 2028. The company supports LNG as the best readily available fuel to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carnival's LNG ships are also designed to accommodate bio or synthetic forms of LNG in the future, enhancing their sustainability potential.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has embraced LNG for its new World-class ships, including the MSC World Europa and MSC World America. These vessels feature LNG propulsion systems and incorporate advanced technologies like solid oxide fuel cells to further reduce emissions. MSC plans to expand its LNG-powered fleet with additional World-class ships through 2027.
MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, has emphasized the company's commitment to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel in its journey toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Vago stated, «LNG is an important step forward in our ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The fuel is one in transition and poised to make way for carbon-neutral bio-LNG and eventually synthetic LNG that we look forward to using as and when they become available at scale as part of our longer-term decarbonisation journey.»
This perspective aligns with MSC Cruises' broader environmental strategy, which includes investing in LNG-powered vessels like the MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia. The company views LNG as a bridge to future renewable fuels, facilitating immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine fuels.
However, MSC Cruises has according to The maritime Executive faced scrutiny over its environmental claims related to LNG. In October 2024, the Dutch Advertising Standards Authority ruled that some of MSC's statements about LNG's environmental benefits were misleading and recommended that the company refrain from making such claims without concrete evidence.
Despite these challenges, MSC Cruises continues to invest in LNG technology while exploring alternative fuels like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, reflecting its commitment to a more sustainable future in maritime travel.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean's Icon-class ships, such as the Icon of the Seas, utilize LNG as part of a broader alternative fuel strategy. Nick Rose, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance at Royal Caribbean, stated, «LNG is one piece of our actual strategy,» highlighting the company's commitment to integrating various energy sources, including biofuels, methanol, and shore power, to enhance sustainability
Royal Caribbean International's leadership acknowledges LNG as a transitional fuel in their broader strategy toward sustainability. Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, emphasized the company's commitment to environmental responsibility, stating, «We are committed to making the journey to carbon neutrality.» He noted that LNG offers about a 24% improvement in carbon footprint compared to traditional marine fuels, but also recognized that «there is no magical fuel» and that the future of sustainable marine energy remains uncertain.
Nick Rose, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance at Royal Caribbean, described LNG as «a transitional fuel that helps build flexibility into our ship design.» He highlighted that LNG is one part of the company's alternative fuel strategy, which also includes biofuels, methanol, and other energy sources like shore power.
The company has also invested in hybrid technologies. Under its luxury brand Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean introduced 'Project Evolution,' a new class of ships powered by a combination of hydrogen fuel cells, battery technology, and dual-fuel engines using LNG as the main fuel. This hybrid solution allows the ship to be free of local emissions while at port and aims to achieve a 40% overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per double occupancy compared to the brand's previous class of ships.
While Royal Caribbean continues to explore and invest in various sustainable technologies, it acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties in identifying a single, definitive solution for achieving long-term environmental goals.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises, a brand under Carnival Corporation, introduced its first LNG-powered ship, the Sun Princess, in February 2024. This vessel is part of the new Sphere-class and represents Princess Cruises' commitment to reducing emissions and promoting environmental sustainability within its operations.
Princess Cruises is embracing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a pivotal component in its strategy to enhance environmental sustainability. John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, highlighted the significance of this transition, stating, «The most compelling element of the Sphere class will be the environmental sustainability aspect. It will be Princess' first LNG vessel.»
This initiative aligns with Carnival Corporation's broader commitment to LNG adoption across its brands. A spokesperson for Carnival Corporation emphasized, «LNG delivers immediate GHG reductions, and in the absence of market-ready zero-emission fuels, is the best available fuel to help cut ship greenhouse gas emissions now.»
Princess Cruises' investment in LNG-powered ships, such as the Sun Princess and the upcoming Star Princess, reflects a strategic move towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable cruising experience.
These cruise lines view LNG as a viable transitional fuel that offers immediate environmental benefits while the industry continues to explore and develop long-term sustainable energy solutions.
Key facts - LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) ships
Cleaner than traditional fuel: Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 20–25%, almost eliminates sulfur oxides (SOx), and cuts nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 85%.
Methane slip risk: Unburned methane can escape during combustion—a potent greenhouse gas with a higher warming potential than CO₂.
Widely available: LNG infrastructure is expanding globally and already supports cruise lines like MSC, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean.
Transitional fuel: Seen by many experts as a bridge between heavy fuel oil and future zero-emission alternatives.
Storage & safety: Requires cryogenic storage at -162°C and special containment systems, but is well-regulated and proven.
Cost-effective: Offers fuel savings and compliance with IMO 2020 emission regulations, though future carbon taxes could affect its value.
Key facts - Hydrogen-Powered ships
Zero emissions: When used in fuel cells, hydrogen produces only electricity, heat, and water—no CO₂, SOx, or NOx.
Green hydrogen potential: If made from renewable electricity (e.g. wind or solar), it's completely carbon-free.
Emerging technology: Still in early stages for large commercial ships, but prototypes like Energy Observer and MF Hydra are operating.
Storage challenges: Hydrogen requires either high-pressure tanks or cryogenic liquid storage at -253°C—complex and space-intensive.
Higher cost: Green hydrogen is currently 3–6x more expensive than LNG or marine diesel, but costs are expected to fall with scale.
Infrastructure gap: Global hydrogen bunkering networks are minimal but growing with public and private investment.
