In 2018, Bergen (Norway) experienced its busiest cruise year to date, hosting ~600,000 passengers across 336 calls. However, beneath this record-breaking year lay concerns about both the increasing number of tourists and the emissions generated by cruise ships in the city center.
Nils Mollerup, the commercial manager of the Port of Bergen, explains that following the 2018 season, there were political discussions about implementing measures to better manage the growing cruise tourism. This led to a decision by the city parliament to impose restrictions on the number of ships and passengers per day, along with a commitment to install onshore power supply (OPS) for cruise ships.
Prior to this decision, the Port of Bergen had already invested in OPS infrastructure for offshore-related ships. Additionally, the port had developed the Environmental Port Index (EPI) as a tool to measure emissions in the harbor, which proved crucial for implementing the planned changes.
In the winter of 2019, the cruise industry was informed about Bergen's planned measures. After extensive discussions between cruise lines, the Bergen Municipality, and the port, operators recognized the importance of adhering to these measures for Bergen to remain a sustainable cruise destination.
These measures included a daily limit of three ships or 8,000 passengers, the implementation of EPI, an incentive scheme based on EPI scores, advanced booking timelines, and criteria for ship entry based on emission standards and OPS availability.
To facilitate emission-free docking, a significant OPS facility was necessary. Bergen's proximity to green electricity sources made it feasible to construct such a facility near the harbor. Despite delays due to the crisis, the OPS facility became operational in 2022 with 5 connection points, three of which could be used simultaneously.
By 2023, ~25% of the world's cruise fleet visited Bergen, with a quarter of the calls utilizing shore power. A similar number of calls are anticipated in 2024, with an increased percentage expected to connect to OPS. For cruise companies booking calls in 2026, the requirement mandates the ship's ability to connect to shore power.