Cruise ports and operators across the globe are adopting modern technologies and upgrading vessel fleets to ensure the industry becomes more environmentally friendly in the future. For ports, one of the most significant developments is in the growing movement towards installing shore side electricity (SSE) systems, which allow ship engines to be switched off to reduce in-port emissions by up to 98 per cent. The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) net-zero goals and fuel targets have put sustainable operations firmly on the agenda for cruise ports, making an investment in onshore power systems increasingly attractive. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s 2023 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, there are currently 34 ports worldwide which have at least one cruise berth equipped with onshore power, with a further 24 projects funded and an additional 16 projects in the planning stages. There are 120 ships in the global fleet fitted with SSE systems, representing 45.5 per cent of CLIA member ships, up from 24 per cent in 2018. The CLIA report predicts this will increase to 71.1 per cent by 2028, thanks to 35 newbuilds, which will be fitted with SSE systems, and retrofitting projects scheduled for a further 67 ships. SHORE POWER AROUND THE WORLD Miami, Florida, USA The Shore Power Program is a partnership between PortMiami, its cruise partners (Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, and Virgin Voyages) and Florida Power and Light Company. Upon completion by end of 2023, shore power capability will be available at five cruise terminals with the ability to plug in three ships at a time. In 2021, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava launched an initiative to bring shore power to PortMiami in collaboration with major cruise line partners. Seattle, Washington, USA The Port of Seattle has a shore powerconnected berth at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, and a project is underway to install shore power at the Pier 66 cruise berth, which aims to be ready for use in 2024. The port has also set a goal to have 100 per cent of homeporting cruise ships equipped with shore power capability, and to have these connected on every call, by 2030 or sooner. San Diego, California, USA At the Port of San Diego, two cruise ships can simultaneously use shore power. With a cruise season featuring around 100 port calls and 340,000 passengers, shore power has enabled the port to honour its commitment to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on and around San Diego Bay. Portsmouth, UK Portsmouth International Port has secured a £19.8 million ($24 million) grant to design, build and operate a shore power system across its three busiest berths. The grant comes from the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure competition, funded by the UK government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. Portsmouth City hopes to reach net carbon neutral status by 2030. Southampton, UK Associated British Ports (ABP)’s Port of Southampton shore power facility opened in April 2022. The total cost of the project was £9 million ($10.9 million), supported by a grant from the Solent Local Growth Deal and arranged through the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership. ABP worked with PowerCon as the main contractor to implement the scheme on site. Kiel, Germany The Port of Kiel’s first shore power supply plant has been operational at the Norwegenkai since May 2019 supplying Sailing towards a greener future Laura Hyde takes a closer look at a selection of the ports that are installing shore power facilities for a more sustainable cruise industry 32 FEATURE
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