AIDAnova hosts sustainability dialogue session with Danish port and cruise network

Felix Eichhorn, president of AIDA Cruises, also welcomed on board the vessel members of the Danish parliament, Copenhagen City Council, tourism service providers and cruise-related businesses.

Shore power in Copenhagen 

Eichhorn said, ‘In the Baltic Sea region alone, we call at more than 20 ports, with Copenhagen recording the most AIDA calls. 

‘We come to the destinations as guests and partners and are committed to constructive dialogue. From guest management and the value chain to the promotion of sustainable projects, we are a reliable partner at the side of the regions we visit.

‘We are particularly pleased that the commissioning of the first shoreside power plant for cruise ships in Copenhagen is on the agenda for next year. We will be available to the port as a project planning partner.’

Luis de Carvalho, commercial cruise director, Copenhagen Malmö Port, expressed gratitude to the cruise line for ‘hosting this important event and for sharing their vision on sustainability and environment friendly practices.’ 

He said, ‘Copenhagen Malmö Port aims to become one of the most sustainable ports in the world by 2025 and we look forward to continuing working together with the cruise industry, the city of Copenhagen, politicians and local partners to deliver the most sustainable cruise experience in Copenhagen.’ 

Shore power in the Baltic Sea 

Baltic Sea itineraries are popular with AIDA's German cruise passengers. AIDA has worked with Baltic destinations to transform the region from a summer-only option to a year-round favourite. Today, AIDA is a regular caller, with six of the line's ships visiting the Danish capital throughout the year. 

Klaus Bondam, director of connectivity, culture and destinations at Wonderful Copenhagen, said that from the perspectives of Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and Beyond and Cruise Baltic, AIDA’s leadership is critical. ‘The leadership that AIDA takes, together with their colleagues from other international cruise brands, is of vital importance in fulfilling our visions,’ he said. One of those visions is to ‘make the Baltic Sea the world's most sustainable cruise destination, making the cruise journey climate-neutral well before 2050.’ 

Bondam said of the event in Copenhagen, ‘we were happy to experience the political interest and engagement in our work and our ambitions.’ 

Ports in three Baltic Sea countries have implemented shorepower with AIDA Cruises lending their support: In June 2023, Denmark's first shore power system was inaugurated in Aarhus with AIDAmar; the first Swedish system was put into operation in Stockholm in July 2024 with AIDAdiva; this month, a new system was officially opened in Oslo with AIDAluna. 

Behind the scenes tour 

The gathering additionally involved presentations, conversation on guest management in destinations, and interactive Q&A sessions leading to in-depth discussion on environmental initiatives. A behind the scenes tour of AIDAnova’s engine control room, shore power system and waste treatment facilities was also part of the programme where participants were able to talk operational and environmental matters directly with the ship’s officers.