The Port of Copenhagen has flipped the switch to clean energy for cruise ships, with AIDAnova leading the charge. Europe’s largest shore power system is now live, reducing emissions and promoting greener tourism.
Copenhagen, June 2025 – In a landmark event symbolizing the maritime industry’s green transition, Copenhagen officially inaugurated Europe’s largest shore power facility for cruise ships. The opening ceremony, held at the Oceankaj cruise terminal, was led by His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark, who declared the facility operational with the words, “Turn the power on,” spoken into a walkie-talkie to the bridge of AIDAnova – the first cruise vessel to connect to the newly installed system.
This historic event was attended by top dignitaries, including EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, Danish Minister of Transport Thomas Danielsen, and Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Lars Weiss. All underscored the significance of this development in reducing air pollution, improving quality of life for local residents, and moving towards a more sustainable cruise tourism model.
“This is an important step towards greener and more sustainable shipping,” stated Minister Danielsen. EU Commissioner Jørgensen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the facility’s role in supporting the EU’s goal of establishing shore power infrastructure at all major EU ports by 2030.
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AIDA Cruises at the Forefront
AIDAnova, operated by AIDA Cruises, part of Carnival Corporation & plc, was the first vessel to use the new facility. Representing AIDA Cruises at the ceremony, President Felix Eichhorn emphasized the line’s commitment to maritime decarbonization:
“We have once again proven that we stand by the word we gave to our Cruise Baltic partners in Copenhagen in 2022. By investing in the use of this advanced technology, we are actively supporting the European Union’s climate goals.”
With 73 scheduled calls to Copenhagen in 2025 by five AIDA vessels, the port ranks among the cruise line’s most important Northern European destinations. AIDA’s engagement in Copenhagen extends beyond ship visits – the company played an active role as a pilot partner in the facility’s development, providing technical expertise and the AIDAnova for critical testing phases.
The Copenhagen facility brings the number of ports offering shore power for AIDA vessels to 14 across seven European countries. In 2024 alone, AIDA utilized shore power during 360 port calls—a fivefold increase from the previous year. Over 500 shore-powered calls are anticipated in 2025, allowing ships to switch off their diesel generators during layovers and significantly reduce emissions.
Copenhagen Malmö Port’s Commitment to Net Zero
The shore power plant was developed by Udviklingsselskabet By & Havn and will be operated by Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP), which also launched a shore power facility at Søndre Frihavn in 2021 for the Copenhagen-Oslo line.
Barbara Scheel Agersnap, CEO of Copenhagen Malmö Port, highlighted the facility’s alignment with CMP’s ambitious sustainability strategy:
“This is a proud moment and a key milestone in the green transition of the maritime sector. By supplying ships like AIDAnova with clean energy at berth, we are advancing toward our goal of fossil-free terminal operations and net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2025.”
The new infrastructure allows ships docking at both Nordhavn (Terminal 2) and Langelinie to plug into the local power grid instead of running polluting auxiliary engines. This is particularly meaningful for residents in neighborhoods like Østerbro and Nordhavn, where local air quality will see marked improvement.
Lord Mayor Lars Weiss emphasized the local impact:
“Copenhagen is a port city, and every year thousands of tourists visit from the sea. With this facility, cruise tourism becomes more sustainable, offering cleaner air for our citizens.”
Toward a Cleaner Maritime Future
The inauguration of this state-of-the-art shore power facility is a concrete step towards meeting global climate objectives and reducing the environmental impact of the cruise industry. It sets a new standard for European ports and demonstrates how collaboration between municipalities, port operators, and cruise lines can drive transformative change in maritime operations.
Copenhagen is now firmly established as a leader in sustainable port infrastructure, with the Oceankaj facility standing as the largest of its kind in Europe – a powerful symbol of progress as the shipping industry sails into a cleaner, greener future.
About By & Havn (Udviklingsselskabet By & Havn I/S)
By & Havn (City & Port Development), formally known as Udviklingsselskabet By & Havn I/S, is a Danish development company owned jointly by the City of Copenhagen and the Danish Government. Its mission is to create sustainable urban areas and manage key port infrastructure in the Danish capital.
By & Havn is responsible for developing the new urban districts in Copenhagen, including Ørestad and Nordhavn, as well as managing and investing in the city’s harbor areas. The company plays a strategic role in the transition to green urban and maritime development, and it spearheaded the development of Copenhagen’s new cruise shore power facility – now the largest of its kind in Europe.
Through close collaboration with public and private stakeholders, By & Havn ensures that Copenhagen continues to grow as a modern, climate-resilient, and globally connected waterfront city.
About AIDA Cruises
AIDA Cruises is Germany’s leading cruise line and a key brand within Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company. Headquartered in Rostock and Hamburg, AIDA operates a fleet of innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ships, offering voyages across Europe, the Caribbean, and other international destinations.
With a strong focus on sustainability, AIDA is at the forefront of the maritime energy transition. The company is a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, shore power, and battery technologies. AIDA aims to achieve net-zero emissions from ship operations by 2050 and continues to invest in low-emission solutions, including LNG-powered ships and biofuels.
AIDA Cruises employs around 18,000 people from over 60 countries and remains one of Germany’s most successful and recognized tourism brands.
About Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) Port of Copenhagen
Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) is one of Northern Europe’s leading port operators, serving as a vital logistics hub for freight, automotive, and passenger traffic across the Øresund region. Strategically located between the Danish capital of Copenhagen and Sweden’s Malmö, CMP connects the Nordic markets to global trade routes.
CMP plays a key role in facilitating sustainable growth in the maritime sector and is a frontrunner in green port operations. The company is committed to achieving fossil-free terminal operations and reaching net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2025. In addition to handling container, ro-ro, and bulk cargo, CMP operates one of Scandinavia’s largest cruise terminals and has invested significantly in sustainable infrastructure, including shore power facilities for both ferry and cruise ships.
CMP is owned by the City of Copenhagen, the City of Malmö, and private investors, and operates under a vision of being a green, efficient, and innovative gateway for the region.
Source Copenhagen Malmö Port | AIDA Cruises | By & Havn