On June 2nd, AIDA Cruises' ship AIDAnova became the inaugural vessel to connect to the newly established shore power facility at the Oceankaj Terminal in Copenhagen. This development signifies a pivotal advancement in Denmark's maritime sustainability initiatives, aligning with the European Union's objective to implement shore power infrastructure across major EU ports by 2030.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by King Frederik X of Denmark, EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, Danish Minister of Transport Thomas Danielsen, and AIDA Cruises President Felix Eichhorn. Eichhorn emphasized the collaborative efforts between AIDA Cruises and Danish partners in promoting the expansion and utilization of shore power infrastructure in ports. He highlighted that AIDA Cruises had previously committed to supporting such initiatives during the Cruise Baltic meeting in Copenhagen in 2022. As a pilot partner, AIDA Cruises played a crucial role in the technical preparations for the new system and provided AIDAnova for the necessary tests.
Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) CEO Barbara Scheel Agersnap remarked on the significance of the shore power system's inauguration, viewing it as a milestone in the maritime sector's transition to environmentally friendly technologies. She noted that the facility aligns with CMP's sustainability strategy, which includes operating the terminal without fossil fuels and achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2025.
The new shore power facility at Oceankaj enhances AIDA Cruises' existing network, allowing its ships to connect to shore power in 14 ports across seven countries. In 2024, AIDA Cruises utilized shore power for 360 port calls, with plans to increase this number to over 500 in 2025. Copenhagen is set to host 73 calls by five AIDA Cruises ships in 2025, underscoring its importance as a key cruise port in Northern Europe.
This initiative reflects the broader commitment within the maritime industry to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices. By integrating shore power capabilities, ports and cruise lines are taking tangible steps towards minimizing their environmental impact during port stays.