Viking Cruises is working on a project to develop a ship fuelled by liquid hydrogen which could become the first cruise ship in the world with zero-emission technology, according to NMA (Norwegian Maritime Authority).
Viking Cruises envisions building a ship based on the design of its seagoing cruise liners, like Viking Sun. The vessel will be about 230 meters long, and will accommodate over 900 passengers and 500 crew.
Over the last few years the shipping company registered a number of new ships in Norwegian International Ship Register and intends to register the new ship in the NIS in case it is realized. It is already in dialogue with NMA.
Liquid hydrogen hasn't been used as marine fuel so far. One of the technical provocations is to maintain the fuel at -253 degrees to keep it from evaporating. Fuel cell converts the hydrogen to electricity for electric power and propulsion onboard.
Hydrogen is a very explosive gas, so protection against gas leaks is a major part of the safety requirements.
Liquid hydrogen is not produced in Europe on a large scale, but Viking Cruises is in dialogue with Statoil to find a solution based on Norwegian refinery. The shipping company intends to use Norwegian suppliers for the project. A number of tender ships are planned to carry fuel to the cruise ship.
Another news concerning the cruise line these days is about the change of Viking Spirit's name - yesterday Viking annnounced that the ship due to debut in June next year will be named Viking Orion. Anna Lee Fisher, former NASA astronaut and the first ever mother in space, was named the godmother of the ship.