The Port of Hamburg (Germany) has positioned itself at the forefront of maritime decarbonization by offering comprehensive shore‐power facilities for cruise ships years ahead of EU mandates.
As of 2024, the port has already provided shore electricity at its Cruise Terminals Altona and Steinwerder, both of which can now supply vessels with green electricity during their time at berth.
From 2026 onward, every cruise terminal in Hamburg—including HafenCity, currently in its trial commissioning phase—will be equipped to deliver shore power. The facility in HafenCity is scheduled for outfitting and trial operations during the upcoming year.
The Hamburg Port Authority has already executed agreements with numerous major cruise companies—including AIDA, MSC, TUI, NCL-Norwegian, Phoenix Reisen, and Fred Olsen—to supply ships with shore power while docked.
From 2027, any cruise ship calling at Hamburg that is fitted with shore‐power capability will be expected to plug into the port grid during its stay. This policy precedes the EU-wide shore‐power requirement that comes into force in 2030 and underscores Hamburg’s role as an industry leader in clean port infrastructure.
Hamburg’s shore power systems deliver electricity at 10 kV voltage and with capacities ranging from 12 to 16 MVA depending on the terminal. These systems are supported by cable‐tracking vehicles designed to adapt to tidal variation and accommodate different ship configurations.
In launching this initiative, the port aims not only to reduce vessel emissions, noise, and air pollution while docked but also to align with its broader ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
By actively encouraging cruise operators to adopt shore power, Hamburg is demonstrating how clean energy integration can be achieved without compromising port throughput or operational efficiency.
Hamburg’s experience provides a practical model for sustainable maritime operations. Its early adoption of shore‐power technology offers cruise lines tangible environmental benefits and regulatory predictability, setting a standard that other EU gateways are now beginning to follow.