AIDAdiva becomes the first to trial shore power in Sweden

AIDAdiva served as the first cruise vessel to make a test call, on May 30. 

This came as Ports of Stockholm enters the final phase of the project to install two shore power facilities at Stadsgården quays. 

Over 35 cruise ships are expected to connect to shore power in Sweden by October as part of the test period. 

Entering completion stage

Marco Torkler, director technical projects & operational support at AIDA Cruises, said, ‘As a shore power pioneer in Europe, AIDA Cruises has been committed to the development of sustainable infrastructure in Europe for many years. We are happy to work with Ports of Stockholm with our knowledge and ships in the commissioning process of Sweden’s first shore power facility for cruise ships.’ 

When the project is finished, it will be possible for over 45% of cruise calls at Ports of Stockholm to connect to shore power. 

The facilities have been under construction for the past two years. 

‘Shore power for cruise ships is an important milestone for Stockholm as a sustainable premium destination, to achieve set climate goals and improve the environment in the city,’ remarked Jens Holm, chair of the board at Ports of Stockholm. ‘We are extremely excited to enter the final completion of our facilities. We look forward to welcoming cruise ships that can benefit from this technology.’ 

Funding

The connection at berth S167 got support from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's Klimatklivet, which offers subsidies for activities in the country aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a local and regional level.

As is the case for Copenhagen/Malmö, Aarhus and Helsinki, the project also got grants from the European Union to invest in delivering shore power.