Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 5 2 Sustainable cruise ports Globally, ports are stepping up their green practices, ready for when their passenger shipping business returns. We hear what sustainability means for a number of ports worldwide and how they are working towards their goals P ort Canaveral is one of only two Florida ports to earn Green Marine certification. The port has invested millions of dollars in stormwater improvements and environmental initiatives to ensure water quality and habitat protection to protect, preserve and improve the environment in and around the port. Captain John Murray, port director and CEO, says: “As stewards of our port – a maritime asset vitally important to our state and regional economy – our land and waters must support the well-being and interests of our cruise and cargo partners, the surrounding coastal community, and Florida’s special animal and plant populations, many of which are unique to our local environment.” Global Ports Holding (GPH) is the world’s largest independent port operator and its ports are all EcoPort- certified. A spokesperson for GPH says: “We engage with our local stakeholders to contribute to local life and needs. From solar powered terminals to smart waste separation, electric transportations to the control of seagulls’ defecation by using hawks and eagles, GPH ports have many ongoing projects for a more sustainable future.” Sweden’s Ports of Stockholm provide facilities for water management for vessels at all quays and the ports offer environmentally differentiated port fees to reduce air emissions. Cruise ships that offload separated waste according to the waste instructions also get a discounted port fee. “Environmental efforts are an integrated part of the daily operations,” says Stefan Scheja, marketing manager for ferries and cruises at the port. In addition, there is an ongoing project with the Baltic Sea ports of Copenhagen, Aarhus and Helsinki in investing in onshore power supply for cruise ships, which will allow Stockholm to equip its two central quays with high voltage by 2023 and 2024 respectively. Plugging in to onshore power Onshore power systems (OPS) are an important component in reducing air pollutants and noise emissions of ships berthing in the Port of Hamburg, Germany. The city’s Altona terminal has been equipped with OPS since 2016 and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2 at the OPS in Cruise Center Altona, Hamburg Photo: Cruise Gate Hamburg