Ports of Stockholm introduces Sweden’s first onshore power connection for cruise ships

Ports of Stockholm recently inaugurated one of Europe’s first and Sweden’s very first facility for onshore power supply (OPS) for international cruise ships. 

The new facility officially began operations on Tuesday, 17 September once the shipping company TUI Cruises’brand new vessel Mein Schiff 7 was connected to the system.

Ports of Stockholm chair Jens Holm said of the new OPS: “The inauguration of Sweden’s first onshore power connection for cruise ships is an important milestone in creating a premium destination for sustainable cruise traffic, both in Stockholm and throughout the Baltic Sea region. Cruise ships can now connect to electricity from the quayside, greatly reducing their impact on the environment.”

The new high-voltage facility is built to international standards and allows ships to switch off their auxiliary engines while at berth. This reduces emissions of air pollutants and reduces noise levels. At least 45 percent of cruise ships calling at Ports of Stockholm can now connect to electricity. The electricity used is 100 percent green and comes from renewable sources such as wind and hydro power.

Rewarding those protecting the environment

Ports of Stockholm rewards shipping customers who implement environmental improvement measures. This is done by offering discounts on port fees for ships that achieve high environmental performance according to the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and Clean Shipping Index (CSI). The discounts aim to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particles.

Likewise, the hub is working long-term to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants together with its shipping customers, and to reduce noise levels from ships and port operations. The aim is to achieve zero emissions from shipping in the port areas by 2040. Expanding onshore power connection for ships is one of the key measures to achieve this goal.