AIDA Cruises begins operations at Oslo on-shore power system

AIDA Cruises and the Port of Oslo recently opened a new on-shore power system meant to supply cruise ships with shore power during their stay in port. 

AIDA Cruises’ AIDAluna was the first vessel that got fuelled up during the opening ceremony.

Among those attending the opening were vice-mayor for culture and business development Anita Leirvik North and Port of Oslo commercial director Einar Marthinussen who welcomed AIDAluna captain Marc-Dominique Tidow to the pier. With the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, the shore power system was officially put into regular operation. 

This was preceded by an extensive test phase, during which AIDAluna had already been successfully supplied with green energy from shore. The system in Oslo is already the fifth shore power system in Norway.

A most relevant technology

AIDA Cruises senior vice-president for public affairs, communication, and sustainability Dirk Inger said: “We are very pleased to be able to supply our AIDA ships with shore power in the port of Oslo, an important port in Northern Europe. Shore power is a relevant technology for us on the way to net-zero emissions in ship operations. With the commissioning of this system, our cruise ships can now obtain green energy from shore in 12 ports in six European countries.”

Marthinussen added: “[The] AIDAbella, was the first to fully connect to this facility. Since then, both AIDAmar and AIDAluna have visited us. Thank you very much for helping to reduce emissions and supporting Oslo’s ambitious climate goals. So far, 20 out of 43 cruise ships have connected to the facility. 2024 was supposed to be a kind of test year, where both the Port of Oslo and the shipping companies would familiarise themselves with the facility. A connection rate of around 50 percent is more than we dared to hope for at this stage.”

AIDA Cruises has considered the use of shore power in the planning and construction of its cruise ships since 2004. This technology can significantly reduce local emissions while the ship is in port. AIDA Cruises is continuously expanding the use of shore power thanks to the opening of further facilities in European cruise areas. From 2024, all AIDA ships departing on cruises from German ports can be supplied with shore-side electricity during their laytime.

AIDA Cruises has been investing in a future-proof and sustainable cruise market for many years. In addition to the use of shore power and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an important bridging technology, AIDA Cruises is expanding the use of alternative energy sources to operate its cruise ships. Together with various partners, the cruise company is working intensively on further solutions. 

As part of Carnival Corporation & plc, AIDA Cruises is aiming for net-zero emissions in the operation of its fleet by 2050.