Norwegian port aims to open the three new connection points ahead of the 2020 cruise season
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norway-based renewable energy and infrastructure company BKK and Port of Bergen have secured a NOK50 million (US$5.9 million) grant to build a shore power facility for cruise ships, which is expected to open in 2020.
Funding has been secured via state-owned grant scheme Enova and will empower the port and BKK to build a facility that will be able to supply electric power to three cruise ships simultaneously. The port, which already supplies electrical power to offshore vessels, will now have a total of 15 shore power connection points by 2020, making it the largest onshore power supply facility in Europe.
“Together we can make a real difference and contribute to a rapid transition from fossil to renewable energy within the maritime transport industry,” said Ingrid von Streng Velken, executive vice president of Innovation and Development at BKK. “Port of Bergen is dependent on shore power and BKK is pleased that Enova has made the decision to support the project. The grant enables the project in moving rapidly towards being realised.”
Cruise ships connecting to the facility will be able to switch off their engines and use electricity generated by Bergen’s existing electrical grids to run their essential onboard system while in port. This will reduce nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions, while also enabling Bergen municipality to meet its aim of providing shore power to all ships by 2020 and become fossil-free by 2030.
“Vessels that dock at Port of Bergen emit large quantities of particles, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, and the motivation for the joint company is to reduce these emissions as soon as possible,” said Johnny Breivik, director at the Port of Bergen. “To be able to offer shore power for cruise vessels will send a strong message that Norway is moving towards a sustainable and emissions free development of the maritime transport industry.”