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Fincantieri delivers Viking Neptune with hydrogen fuel cell module

The 47,800gt Viking Neptune has been delivered at Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy – and as part of a test, is fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell module with nominal power of 100 kW.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

November 10, 2022

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The vessel, which has 465 cabins and can accommodate up to 930 passengers, is the ninth in its class.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology

Viking is using the small fuel cell as a test to determine how hydrogen fuel could be used at a larger scale in future newbuilds.

The line and Fincantieri continue to collaborate on developing applications based on hydrogen fuel cell technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their work strengthened this year, going beyond joint research and development activity. 

Viking and the shipyard first designed an enlarged vessel configuration that will be applied to the Viking ships being delivered after 2024, defining spaces and arrangements for accommodating the increased size of the hydrogen tank, the fuel cell systems and other relevant features.

Next step: 6-7 MW design

The second step will be the development of a hydrogen-based generation system with a total power of approximately 6-7 MW – described by Fincantieri as the largest size ever tested on board a cruise vessel – able to ensure emission-free operations at port, as well as navigation at a reduced speed.

These systems, once finalised, could be installed on Viking vessels under construction and ‘as far as possible, retrofitted on the vessels already delivered,’ according to Fincantieri.

Fincantieri handed over Viking Polaris at Vard Søviknes in Ålesund, Norway in September, the second of two expedition vessels created for the brand. The collaboration between Fincantieri and Viking spans 18 vessels. 

Viking's 15th new vessel this year

Viking Neptune is the 15th vessel to join the fleet during this, Viking's 25th anniversary year.

Mediterranean then world cruise

Viking Neptune is scheduled to enter service next week and will spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean before undertaking the line's 2022-23 world cruise in late December. The 138-day voyage begins at Fort Lauderdale and ends in London (Greenwich).

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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