A major step toward an emission-free cruise port in Oslo successfully launched
On September 24, 2024, the shore power facility at Revierkaia in Oslo was officially inaugurated. After a testing phase where the cruise ship AIDAmar was first connected to shore power on April 12, 2024, the facility entered regular operation on May 19.
The official opening ceremony took place with the AIDAluna cruise ship, which was also connected to the new shore power system. Anita Leirvik North, Oslo’s City Councilor for Culture and Industry, led the ceremony, emphasizing the facility’s importance in reducing carbon emissions.
A step toward climate neutrality
The Port of Oslo has set ambitious goals regarding climate neutrality. The new shore power facility is designed to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from cruise ships, which traditionally rely on diesel while docked. The city aims to reduce port emissions by 85 percent by 2030. “This is a major milestone on our journey toward becoming an emission-free port,” said Einar Marthinussen, Commercial Director of the Port of Oslo.
Technological advances for the cruise industry
AIDA Cruises, which regularly dock in Oslo, have highlighted the transition to shore power as a critical step toward sustainability. Dirk Inger, Senior Vice President for Communication and Sustainability, stated: “With shore power, our ships can now draw clean energy from land in several European ports, bringing us closer to our goal of net-zero emissions.”
Expansion of shore power infrastructure
Next year, the Port of Oslo plans to establish another shore power facility at Filipstadkaia. This new installation is expected to reduce cruise ship emissions within Oslo by up to 80 percent over the next three to four years. In the long term, all cruise ships docking in the Norwegian capital will be required to connect to shore power.
Innovations and future prospects
The new shore power facilities are not only designed to supply ships with electricity but are also future-proof: in a few years, ships will be able to charge their batteries. Additionally, electric buses are expected to start using the facility before Christmas. The total cost of the shore power plant was 65 million euros, with 27.5 million provided by ENOVA, the Norwegian state-owned company promoting renewable energy.
Oslo is currently Norway's sixth-largest cruise port by passenger volume, and it has set ambitious environmental goals to take a leading role in green shipping initiatives.
More on the opening of the shore power facility in Oslo (in German).
Header: © Port of Oslo
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