Viking cruise company’s second hydrogen-powered ship, which can sail with zero emissions, has been “floated out”.

That means Viking Astrea has touched touched water for the first time.

The ship is due to be delivered in May 2027, and will then spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“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,” says Leah Talactac, president and chief executive of Viking.

The ship is being built at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard, now moving into the the final stage of construction.

ZERO EMISSIONS

The ship will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will make it capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions.

The system has been developed by Isotta Fraschini Motori, Fincantieri’s subsidiary specialising in advanced fuel cell technology. It can produce up to 6MW of power.

THE FLOAT OUT

+ The float out began with the cutting of a ceremonial cord, then water flowed into the ship’s building dock.

+ It took two days to get Viking Astrea afloat.

+ The ship is then moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and the interior build-out.

+ All Viking ocean vessels are classified as “small ships” and Astrea has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tonnes.

+ It has 499 staterooms for up to 998 guests.