The Port of Kiel achieved a historic milestone in the German maritime industry on Wednesday as the AIDAnova became the 100th cruise ship this year to connect to the port’s shore power system. This marks the first time in German port history that 100 shore power connections have been achieved within a single season, underscoring Kiel’s leadership in sustainable cruise operations.
Significant Achievement for Kiel
The AIDAnova’s connection to the shore power system at the Ostseekai terminal highlights a growing trend in the adoption of shore-based electricity to reduce environmental impact. “At the beginning of the year, our declared goal was to connect one hundred cruise ships—and we are very pleased that we have now achieved this before the end of the season,” said Dr. Dirk Claus, Managing Director of SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG.
The port’s efforts to transition toward standardized shore-based power supply have gained significant traction, with 85% of connections now classified as routine operations, compared to earlier years when many were for technical preparation. Claus further emphasized, “Kiel is well-prepared, and our shore power strategy of recent years is paying off. By 2025, we will have invested around 55 million euros in our plants.”
Cruise Lines Embracing Shore Power
Cruise operators such as AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises have led the way in using Kiel’s shore power facilities. Other notable companies, including Hapag-Lloyd, Holland America Line, and Phoenix Reisen, have also contributed to this environmentally friendly initiative. Of the 100 shore power connections this year, about a third were conducted at the newly built facility at Ostuferhafen, which began regular operations in 2023 and frequently supplies vessels such as MSC Euribia and Costa Diadema.
AIDA Cruises: Leading the Way in Sustainability
The 100th shore power connection by AIDAnova serves as a symbolic moment for AIDA Cruises, the shipping line with the largest presence in Kiel. AIDA has been a pioneer in embracing shore power technology, with 41 of the 100 shore power connections this year being made by AIDA vessels. The company was the first to sign a declaration of intent to use shore power at the port back in 2018.
Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, remarked, “Together with the PORT OF KIEL, we have worked intensively on the shore power strategy over many years and have achieved continuous progress. The PORT OF KIEL recognized the potential of shore-side power supply early on and made corresponding investments. The milestone achieved today is the result of our joint efforts to make cruise shipping more sustainable.”
AIDA Cruises began its shore power journey in 2021 with AIDAsol as the first cruise ship to connect in Kiel. Since then, other ships such as AIDAprima, AIDAbella, AIDAluna, and AIDAnova have followed. Collectively, Carnival Corporation brands—AIDA, Costa Cruises, and Holland America Line—account for 54 of the total shore power connections this year.
Port of Kiel: A Global Pioneer in Shore Power
The Port of Kiel has established itself as a leader in shore power technology, aiming to connect all shore power-capable ships to its facilities. On average, cruise ships require between one and three calls to complete the necessary pre-operational technical tests. In 2023 alone, 10 cruise ships were successfully integrated into the regular supply system, bringing the total number of cruise ships capable of using shore power in Kiel to 22.
Once fully operational, these vessels draw electricity from the shore for an average of 8 to 10 hours while berthed. This electricity is sourced as green energy through the spot market, furthering the port’s commitment to sustainability.
The port currently boasts shore power facilities at all major ferry and cruise terminals, with the capacity to supply two cruise ships and four ferries simultaneously. Plans are already underway to expand the Ostseekai terminal by 2025, allowing for the parallel supply of up to three cruise ships. This expansion underscores Kiel’s role as an international leader in green port initiatives.
The Future of Shore Power
Shore power is increasingly being recognized as an essential tool for decarbonizing the maritime industry, particularly cruise shipping. However, the infrastructure is still in its infancy on a global scale, with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reporting that only 20 cruise ports worldwide currently offer shore power supply.
As one of the pioneers, the Port of Kiel continues to set new standards, with its ongoing investments promising to solidify its position as a front-runner in sustainable port operations. The 100th shore power connection is not only a significant achievement for Kiel but also a step forward for the cruise industry as it embraces greener and more sustainable practices.
About Port of Kiel
The Port of Kiel (SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG) is one of the most significant logistics hubs in the Baltic region. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to environmental sustainability, the port is leading the way in green shipping technologies, including shore power for cruise ships and ferries. The port is a major entry point for cruise ships, ferries, and cargo vessels, contributing to the region’s economic growth while prioritizing eco-friendly solutions.
Source Port of Kiel