Cruise Europe, in conjunction with Cruise Baltic/Cruise Britain, launched its active OPS/shore power database, detailing those ports in the geographical area of Cruise Europe which are either shore power ready or will be within 5 years.
The database lists a total of 23 ports, alongside which are details like connection times, applicable fees, discounts, incentives, and how the OPS is supplied.
Simone Maraschi, chair of Cruise Europe Sustainability Group, said that while the industry’s commitment to zero-emission continued at a steady pace, the development of OPS systems would clearly play a key role in the process.
"More and more ports are offering OPS connections and more and more OPS systems are being designed in European ports.
“With this in mind, the collaboration between ports and cruiselines is crucial. Cruise Europe has therefore decided to create a database containing all (major) technical information on active OPS systems and those in the planning stage.”
The database is due to be constantly updated so that cruise lines have key information on both existing/current development of OPS facilities. This is expected to be a relevant tool in planning potential itineraries.
CE chairman Michael McCarthy commented that "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."
"Availability of electricity from clean energy or low carbon sources ensures an overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”
As well as being of benefit to the cruise lines, OPS can contribute to localized environmental improvements to CE/CB member ports and surrounding areas by reducing harmful emissions from SOx, NOx, and particulates associated with poor air quality/noise and vibration.