Bilbao builds e-fuels plant

28/04/2026

Dover becomes UK’s first net-zero port

On April 14, the Port of Dover announced it had achieved its target of carbon net zero emissions (Scope 1 and 2) for 2025, five years ahead of any other UK port, and 25 years ahead of the UK government’s maritime target. Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of Viking UK which has 27 calls to Dover this year, commented: “We offer our congratulations to the Port of Dover for becoming the UK’s first net-zero port, particularly as they have achieved this before the target date. In line with the port’s efforts, as a global leader in experiential travel, we are very mindful of our responsibility to the environment ourselves. Like the Port of Dover, our long-term success depends on our ability to develop programmes that meet or exceed both the global regulatory frameworks and local regulations for each area we visit. From the beginning, our approach has focused on minimising impact through design and technology, including reducing fuel consumption.” The port’s emissions for Scope 1 and 2 have fallen by a huge 98.3% from 2007, with residual emissions being offset through a local regenerative farming scheme issued under the UK Carbon Code of Conduct. The Short Straits counts for eight percent of all UK maritime emissions, so this news is a significant step forward for the future of maritime decarbonisation. Doug Bannister, ceo Port of Dover, said: “We are proud to be celebrating this milestone moment, which has seen our carbon emissions reduce drastically from nearly 14,000 tonnes 18 years ago. We are not stopping here. We want Dover to be a global leader, putting the UK on the global stage as home to the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor here on the Short Straits. This sustainability drive is an essential part of our Port of Dover 2050 Masterplan, helping to protect the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth in an efficient and sustainable manner.” The port’s longer-term ambitions require strong partnerships with industry and government. Its Scope 1 and 2 achievements have, however, been accomplished through its own drive and determination to champion sustainable maritime trade and travel. Examples include: *Purchasing sustainably sourced HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) to operate machinery *Installing 1.5MW of on-site solar generation *General energy efficiency improvements, such as purchasing renewable electricity and using LED lighting and heating controls *Residual emissions being offset through an approved local regenerative farming scheme, which has produced carbon credits under the UK Carbon Code of Conduct The port also recently achieved recertification under the EcoPorts environmental management standard (PERS) for the fourth time, which is the only port-specific environmental management classification. Peter Wright, head of cruise at the port, said: “As a major homeporting and transit destination with passenger numbers growing, delivering our operations sustainably is vital to the continuing success of the Dover cruise business. “Beyond the port’s net zero achievement, we have implemented a range of other environmental initiatives, notably our longstanding Safety and Environment Awareness Award (SEA award) which in its ninth year, has championed improvements in waste management and CO2 emissions by cruiselines.”

28/04/2026

IJmuiden celebrates 25 years of cruising

On March 25, IJmuiden came together to celebrate 25 years aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Renaissance. As KVSA and colleagues from the Felison Cruise Terminal and Port of IJmuiden, joined service providers, as well as representatives of the boatmen, tug services, and the municipality, they were able to demonstrate just what a great cooperation between the ship and port can achieve. The first ship to call IJmuiden back in 2001 was Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Prince with the business growing gradually until 2012 with the opening of the Felison Cruise Terminal, a dedicated building for cruise passengers. This paved the way for regular calls from companies such as MSC Cruises, Costa and Holland America Line with 63 calls in 2019, a record at the time. While the corona pandemic brought a stop to calls, IJmuiden was one of a few ports where ships could go for crew changes, necessary resupply and maintenance calls. This year IJmuiden also celebrates its 750th call. Additionally, KVSA (Royal United Ship Agencies), the parent company behind the Felison Cruise Terminals, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Moreover, a new record is expected for 2026 with 76 calls scheduled. Next year the port expects to reach another milestone, 100,000 passengers. The terminal’s location close to the open sea, means vessels can berth shortly after entering the port, hence reducing sailing time. At the same time, the terminal provides easy access to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region. Excursion programmes typically include cities such as Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft and Leiden. Visitors can also travel to well-known attractions including the Zaanse Schans and the Keukenhof gardens during the spring season. 

28/04/2026

Rotterdam releases comprehensive study on economic impact and sustainability

On March 30, a study examining how cruise activity translates into local and regional economic effects for Rotterdam - Rotterdam | Economic Impact & Sustainability of the Cruise Industry – was published. “Every other year a study is commissioned in support of our industry to exchange correct and referenced facts,” explains Nick Hoogeweij, general manager, Cruise Port Rotterdam. The 52-page study focuses on two main factors: expenditure by cruise guests and crew while ashore and the funds cruiselines spend locally. Additionally, it examines sustainability transitions in the cruise segment with a particular focus on ecological sustainability. The comprehensive report provides in depth analysis of both the above factors. Here we highlight a few key points. In 2025, cruise tourism generated significant economic effects across Europe: a total output of €62.1 billion, €28.9 billion in GDP, and approximately 455,000 jobs. Within this European context, the Netherlands ranked among the top ten beneficiary countries, with an estimated €1.01 billion in cruise-related output. In 2025 Rotterdam received 121 calls and almost 500,000 passengers. Assuming that 80% are transit day visitors spending €115 each and 20% are embark/disembark guests spending €250 each, direct passenger outlays would total around €71 million. In terms of crew, with 121 calls and an average of 1,000 crew members per call, with 35% taking shore leave and spending €50 per person, the crew's total spending was around €2.2–3.1 million, depending on the shore leave rate (35–50%). Onshore power (OPS) was activated at the Holland Amerika Kade on March 31 2025 with AIDAnova being the first cruiseship to plug in. Shore power is analysed as a near-term intervention with a significant local impact on air quality, noise, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction while at berth. This intervention is now supported by EU regulations (FuelEU Maritime and AFIR) and cost signals from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The discussion of alternative fuels evaluates operational trials with advanced biofuels, the status of LNG (including methane slip risks), and Rotterdam’s growing infrastructure for methanol and preparations for ammonia.   The study argues that Rotterdam is a major driver advancing the development of OPS, focusing on the rapid deployment of shore power and the emerging portfolio of alternative marine fuels.