Port of Tallinn: decisive step towards shore power

16/06/2026

Port of Tallinn: decisive step towards shore power

Port of Tallinn, Estonia will invest in shore power facilities for cruise ships at Old City Harbour. This autumn, construction will begin on a new 110/10 kV substation near the Cruise Terminal. The substation is the first stage and a key prerequisite for establishing shore power connections for cruise vessels, enabling ships in the future to connect to the local electricity grid while at berth instead of using auxiliary engines. The investment is part of the PoTOPS project – Port of Tallinn Onshore Power Supply – co-funded by the EU Connecting Europe Facility. The project aims to provide shore power capability for cruise ships at two quays in Old City Harbour by 2030. Once completed, the facilities will help reduce emissions and noise from cruise ships at berth and strengthen Tallinn’s position as a sustainable cruise destination in the Baltic Sea region. The substation project has already been recognised as Estonia’s first BIMbased building permit project and was awarded the title of Innovation Project of the Year 2025, highlighting Port of Tallinn’s role in advancing digital construction and innovative infrastructure development.

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.