Opportunities and challenges facing the country's cruise industry discussed at World Ports Conference
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The German cruise market is expected to grow by 42.9% between 2014 and 2017, according to Michael Ungerer, president of AIDA Cruises and chairman of the Cruise Line International Association.
Speaking at the World Ports Conference in Hamburg, Germany, on 4 June, Ungerer highlighted that the port of Hamburg has become one of the leading cruise destinations in both Germany and Northern Europe. He also discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with the growth of the cruise industry.
"By 2016 we want to reach the two million mark in Germany and there may also be a further million guests on top in the upcoming three to four years," said Ungerer. “However, this can only be achieved, if all responsible parties start to think about the necessary requirements today. The existing infrastructures in 2015 will not be sufficient for this.”
Ungerer also highlighted the need for cruise operators to work with ports to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.
"Sustainable management and the consistent protection of the environment are the guarantee for being able to successfully offer cruises in the future," said Ungerer.
By 2016, AIDA Cruises will have invested around €100 million to improve its environmental efforts and reduce its carbon footprint. The company has already started a pilot project to install comprehensive exhaust gas treatment systems on its ships and build onshore power supply facilities. On 30 May, AIDAsol became the first cruise vessel to be successfully fuelled with low-emission electricity from an LNG hybrid barge at the port of Hamburg in Germany.