Viking claims to have introduced the cruise industry’s first ship to test the use of hydrogen power for onboard operations.
The fuel system on newly-launched Viking Neptune is being used as a trial to determine how hydrogen fuel could be used at a larger scale in future new vessels.
The 930-passenger vessel was handed over to the company at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, yesterday (Thursday).
Viking Neptunewill sail itineraries in the Mediterranean from next week before embarking on the company’s 2022-23 world cruise from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to London over 138 days, calling at 57 ports in 28 countries.
It is the 15th new vessel to be added to the fleet this year following another ocean-going ship, two expedition vessels, eight European river boats and purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.
Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “We are especially proud to welcome this newest sister ship to our ocean fleet, as it also marks a significant advancement in testing hydrogen as a future fuel for our vessels.
“We look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Neptunenext week.
“She is the 15th new ship we have added to our overall fleet this year, another significant milestone as we continue the celebration of our 25th anniversary.”