Viking on Friday (11 September) announced that Viking Astrea , the company’s second hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled for delivery in May 2027, the Viking Astrea will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. “The float out of the Viking Astrea represents another important milestone for Viking,” said Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. “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.” The float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Astrea afloat, it will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Astrea is a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet and will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specialising in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s 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.   Photo credit: Viking Published: 14 September, 2026