Italian shipyard, Fincantieri, has held the keel laying ceremony for Viking Libra – the world’s first cruise ship to be powered by hydrogen stored onboard for both propulsion and onboard electricity generation.

The ceremony was held yesterday in Ancona, attended by the Director of the shipyard, Gilberto Tobaldi, and the New Building Site Team Manager of Viking, Gastone Lazzari. Widely considered as the “ceremonial birth” of the ship, the laying of the keel signifies that construction of the vessel has actually begun.

Viking Libra will accommodate up to 998 guests in 499 staterooms and will be capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions. This will allow it to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas, according to Fincantieri.

The shipyard highlighted this as “one of the key values” underlying its enduring partnership with Viking. Established in 2012, the tie-up has yielded a total portfolio of 28 vessels to date.

“With this significant step in the construction of Viking Libra, we confirm our commitment to investing our unique expertise in the development of cutting-edge, innovative solutions capable of supporting our mission and ambition for a more sustainable future,” Fincantieri said.