Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 14:00 by ce-press
Cruise Europe (CE) launched its active onshore power supply (OPS) database on the eve of Seatrade Cruise Global 2023 in Fort Lauderdale on March 27.
Simone Maraschi, chair of the CE sustainability group, said: “This is a very comprehensive document containing technical information on ports in CE that have OPS already, or are planning on it. I hope all the cruiselines will use this very useful information for the planning of itineraries.”
During the keynote address the following day, Pierfrancesco Vago, chairman Cruise Lines International Association, highlighted the fact that 40% of the global fleet capacity are equipped to use OPS but commented that “the ports are behind”. He will no doubt welcome this CE initiative. The ports, in turn, will be happy to hear that he, and many others, recognise that: “We need to talk together.”
The database, compiled in conjunction with Cruise Baltic and Cruise Britain, lists 23 ports, alongside which are details, such as how the OPS is supplied, from what energy source, at which quays, the maximum power, voltage and frequency, connection times, the type of financing, applicable fees, discounts and incentives.
Linden Coppell, vp sustainability & ESG MSC Cruises, said: “Every one of our newbuilds since 2017 has been fitted with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce carbon emissions in port and we monitor closely those destinations that have pledged to be ready in future with the capability to provide onshore power. We welcome Cruise Europe’s initiative in creating a database in its geographical area to provide detailed information about onshore power which will benefit the cruise industry and the destinations that it serves.”
Whilst Maria Tauschke, head of shore operations, destinations at TUI Cruises, commented: “Cruising is a global business. The level of information and available equipment in the individual ports is often wide-ranging. A database that will consolidate those informations professionally and provides it to the industry within a single platform is a highly appreciated initiative. It is supporting and adding confidence to the itinerary and emission planning process.
“This is a great initiative which shows not only the commitment of the individual ports investing into shore power, but also shows how effective regional networks of ports are collaboratively interacting towards a more sustainable tomorrow. ”
As well as being of benefit to the cruiselines, OPS can also contribute to localised environmental improvements to CE and CB member ports and surrounding areas by reducing harmful emissions from NOx, SOx and particulates associated with poor air quality and noise and vibration.
Those ports with OPS already installed are: Alesund, Bergen, Hamburg (the first in 2016, 2023 and 2025), Kiel, Kristiansand, Rostock and Southampton.
Akureyri is working on two connections whilst Aarhus is due to go live imminently. Stockholm is working on connections to be put into service this year and in 2024, while Rotterdam has committed to the second quarter 2024. Tromso which has OPS installed but only for smaller vessels up to 1MVA in voltage, is planning on installations in 2024 and 2027.
Meanwhile Flam is aiming for 2024/25 but this is dependent on the regulations concerning the World Heritage fjords. In 2025 Copenhagen and Portsmouth will be ready. Trondheim estimates installation will take place between 2025 and 2030.
The following day Monic van der Heyden, commercial director Cruise Port Amsterdam (ACP), added the quays of Amsterdam to the list. At the annual ACP breakfast hosting cruiselines and media, she said: “Starting in 2025, all cruiseships will be able to run on shore power at our quays,” adding: “Let us each commit to collaboration over competition and establish relationships that are rooted in sustainability.”
CE chairman Michael McCarthy explained upcoming regulations: “By 2030, under the EU Fit for 55 package, all ports in the EU and visiting ships need to use OPS or an alternative means to power a ship whilst at berth instead of using their diesel generators.”
Whilst it is generally accepted that not all ports can or need to support such installations, future cruiseline planning will undoubtedly be more focused on creating itineraries based around those ports with OPS installations.
*Please contact CE managing director Jens Skrede on jens@cruiseeurope.com to receive more detailed OPS information by email.
