12 2022. Its work focuses on research and development, energy management, and data management and analysis. “In the shipping sector, the cruise industry is driving the change, and we believe that we are the leaders in this field,” says Eichhorn. “Take shore power, for example. Our ships are docked in ports for around eight to 10 hours. During this time, we use electricity from shore, in regular operation mode. The important thing is that shore power should preferably be green energy, and we need reliable, competitive and affordable tariffs.” AIDA made 65 connections to shoreside power in 2023, more than 350 in 2024 and aims to reach over 500 in 2025, primarily in Northern European ports. Almost every second call in Northern Europe already involves its ships connecting to shore power but the cruise ports in Southern Europe must ramp up the corresponding infrastructure before AIDA can expand usage there, says Eichhorn. In addition, AIDA plans to expand its commitment to using alternative fuels in 2025. The brand has been using LNG fuel as a bridging technology for remaining operational while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions since 2018 but is now in talks with potential suppliers of other fuels. In 2022, it was the first company in the world to use biofuel on a cruise ship (AIDAprima) and continues to test the viability of different fuels. “Whilst biofuel is an option, it needs to come from renewable sources, ensuring that no agricultural land for food production is used or forests have to be cut down,” explains Eichhorn. AIDA is also exploring possible applications of electrofuels (e-fuels) for energy production onboard as an important part of its decarbonisation strategy. Both the dual-fuel engines on its LNG cruise ships, and the diesel engines on its other vessels, can be operated with alternatives, including KEYNOTE AIDAprima became the first cruise ship in the world to bunker with 100 per cent renewable biofuel when it called at the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, in September 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=