On July 25, 2024, the AIDAdiva made history by docking in Stockholm, marking the official launch of Sweden’s inaugural shore power plant for cruise ships. This significant development means that, for the first time, cruise ships visiting Sweden can now connect to shore power while docked, promoting greener port operations. The two-year effort to develop and construct this state-of-the-art facility was a collaborative project, with AIDA Cruises serving as a key partner in advancing this initiative.
Dirk Inger, SVP Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability at AIDA Cruises, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “AIDA Cruises is the first cruise line to start using shore-side electricity in Europe. With our shipboard investments in this technology, we are actively supporting the European Union’s goals to build a shore-side power infrastructure in ports of the Trans-European Transport Network by 2030.”
AIDA Cruises: A Leader in Shore Power Innovation
AIDA Cruises has been a trailblazer in the cruise industry’s adoption of shore power. Since 2004, the company has incorporated this technology into the planning and construction of its vessels. It wasn’t until 2017 that AIDA Cruises began regular operations with a cruise ship at Europe’s first shore-side power plant in Hamburg Altona. The use of shore-side electricity is crucial for reducing local emissions while ships are in port.
Expanding Shore Power Across the Baltic Sea
In April 2022, AIDA Cruises signed a declaration of intent with Cruise Baltic, a network encompassing 32 ports and destinations, to promote the use of shore power throughout the Baltic Sea region. Shore power has already been available in Rostock-Warnemünde and Kiel since 2021, with installations in Norway, the UK, and Denmark following in the subsequent years. By 2024, all AIDA ships departing from German ports can utilize shore power during their laytime.
Investing in a Sustainable Future
AIDA Cruises is committed to advancing a sustainable cruise market. Beyond shore power, the company is investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a bridging technology and exploring alternative energy sources for its ships. Collaborating with various partners, AIDA Cruises is actively pursuing solutions to further reduce emissions. As a member of Carnival Corporation & plc, AIDA Cruises is targeting net-zero emissions in its fleet operations by 2050.
About AIDA Cruises
Since the launch of its first ship in 1996, AIDA Cruises has provided a distinctive face to the modern cruise industry. Joining the Carnival Group in 2004, AIDA Cruises has developed one of the most modern and eco-friendly fleets in the world, recognized for its diversity and innovation.
AIDA Cruises is committed to economic success while integrating sustainability into its operations. The company takes its social responsibility seriously, continually improving environmental protection standards to ensure that future guests can enjoy cruises to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
The four letters of AIDA represent a brand increasingly associated with the best vacation experiences. To achieve this goal, AIDA Cruises provides outstanding working conditions and excellent career opportunities for its staff, both onboard its ships and at its two land-based offices. The company’s dedication to excellence has earned it multiple accolades, reflecting its commitment to both its guests and its employees.
About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leading global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. Its extensive portfolio includes renowned brands such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard in the United Kingdom; AIDA Cruises in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe; Iberocruceros in Spain; and P&O Cruises (Australia) in Australia.
These brands offer diverse holiday and vacation products to a broad customer base. In addition to its cruise brands, Carnival Corporation & plc operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, a tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Together, the company’s vacation offerings attract 10 million guests annually.
Source Carnival Corporation