The cruise season in Tallinn took off

16/12/2025

The European Union supports Port of Tallinn in establishing onshore power supply for cruise ships

The European Union approved funding for Port of Tallinn's project PoTOPS (Port of Tallinn Onshore Power Supply), which aims to create onshore power supply for cruise ships at two quays in the Tallinn Old City Harbour by 2030. The project, which will last more than three years, will include the construction of a power grid connection to the Elering ( Estonian electricity and power grid operator) main grid, a 110/10kV substation and onshore power supply infrastructure with connection equipment for cruise ships. The capacity of the substation will cover the need to supply two cruise ships with onshore power at quays no 26 and 27, as well as the needs of future hybrid and fully electric Ro-Pax ships. The estimated total cost of the PoTOPS project is 39.7 million euros and the amount up to 30% will be covered by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Alternative Fuels Infrastructure measure (AFIF). The Council of Port of Tallinn approved the investment, the planning and the works will begin as soon as possible. Valdo Kalm, the Chairman of the Board of Port of Tallinn, emphasized that the establishment of onshore power supply is crucial for the sustainability of cruise shipping. “Cruise tourism is important for the business of Port of Tallinn, but not only - it also creates jobs and economic value for the entire tourism sector. If we want cruise ships to visit Tallinn in the future, we have to be ready to offer them a modern and environmentally friendly onshore power solution by 2030,” said Kalm. The overall objective of Port of Tallinn's PoTOPS project contributes to the achievement of the European Green Deal goals and climate neutrality by 2050, based on the guidelines in Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure and in TEN-T Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 on more sustainable port activities.

10/11/2025

Cruise Season at the Port of Tallinn continues through winter

Today, on 10th of November the Port of Tallinn welcomes the cruise ship AIDAprima, operated by the German cruise line AIDA Cruises. The ship has brought around 3,600 passengers to explore autumnal Tallinn. The cruise began in Kiel, and after today’s stop in Tallinn, the vessel will depart at midnight for Helsinki. AIDAprima is one of AIDA Cruises’ new-generation ships. The ship can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers and about 900 crew members. It is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships sailing the Baltic Sea. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, spa and entertainment facilities, and a spacious glass-roofed promenade area designed for year-round comfort. Local tour operator Estonian Holidays is organizing traditional bus and walking tours to introduce guests to Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. Special excursions also reach Pirita, Kadriorg, and even Anija Manor outside the city. For those seeking something different, a late-night ghost tour – “Secrets and Mystery of Tallinn Old Town by Night” – offers a thrilling way to experience the city after dark. This winter, five winter cruise calls are expected in total – two in November and three Christmas cruises in December. In addition to AIDAprima, the Port of Tallinn will also welcome Fred. Olsen Cruises’ vessel Borealis, bringing her guests to discover the charm of wintery Tallinn. The Port of Tallinn continues its cooperation with international cruise lines to promote year-round cruise tourism and showcase the beauty and hospitality of Estonia’s capital beyond the summer season.

26/09/2025

TUI Cruises, Port of Tallinn and Estonian Food Bank join forces to reduce food waste and support local communities

Surplus food from TUI Cruises ships calling at the Tallinn Old City Harbour will now reach people in need thanks to a new collaboration between cruise operator TUI Cruises, Port of Tallinn, and the Estonian Food Bank. The initiative helps fight food waste while supporting vulnerable groups within the local community. Victoria Müller, Sustainability Manager at TUI Cruises, underlined the importance of the pilot project: “Our new collaboration with the Food Bank in the Port of Tallinn reflects our firm commitment to both social equity and environmental responsibility. We actively reduce food waste on our vessels through careful planning and portioning; however occasional surplus can occur. By donating surplus food, we not only help reduce avoidable waste but also support those in need within the local community. It’s a great example of effective cooperation and shared values between all parties. And we greatly appreciate the pragmatic and solution-oriented approach of our partners – definitely a blueprint for other cruise ports.” Cruise ships inevitably generate food surplus, but instead of going to waste, this food will now be redistributed by the Estonian Food Bank. The cruise ship Mein Schiff 7 donated food in Tallinn during her four calls in 2025. Piet Boerefijn, Founder and CEO of the Estonian Food Bank, highlighted the significance: “The Food Bank gladly accepts every kilogram of food donated to us. We see that socially responsible behavior is part of the cruise operators’ ethos – in fact, such cooperation with local food banks exists in many ports where cruise ships call. Now, through our partnership with TUI Cruises and Port of Tallinn, this surplus food will be redirected to those who need it most. We believe this cooperation will continue in the coming seasons, allowing us to jointly combat food waste.” Sirle Arro, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Port of Tallinn, emphasized the broader impact: “In recent years, many cruise lines have highlighted that engaging with local communities is not just an act of goodwill – it is essential for sustainable operations and for creating mutual benefit in the places where ships call. Port of Tallinn warmly welcomes the valuable initiative by TUI Cruises to donate surplus food to those in need. Together, we can promote sustainable consumption and ensure that food reaches the people who need it most.” The Estonian Food Bank was established in March 2010 to alleviate poverty and fight food waste in Estonian society. The network today consists of 16 food banks operating in regional centers across the country. In 2024, the Food Bank distributed 4.4 million kilograms of rescued and donated food – a 6% increase compared to the previous year.