The adoption of shore power is gaining momentum, particularly in Baltic Sea countries, where AIDA Cruises has taken a leading role in expanding the availability and utilization of this sustainable energy source.
On September 25th, Port Kiel (Germany) marked a milestone with its shore power system, recording its 100th use by a cruise ship this year. AIDAnova ship, a regular visitor to Kiel's Ostseekai terminal, connected to the shore power system that day, contributing to the record.
AIDA, which has utilized shore power in Kiel 41 times in 2024 alone, remains the principal user of the facility. The cruise line was instrumental in advocating for the construction of the Kiel shore power system in 2018, and later formalized an agreement with the City of Kiel, the state government, and the port to implement the system, which became operational in the summer of 2021 with AIDAsol ship's connection.
Beyond Kiel, AIDA Cruises has partnered with other European ports such as Rostock and Hamburg to pioneer shore power use, consistently championing the technology as a means of significantly reducing local emissions during port stays. The cruise line has integrated shore power capabilities into the design of its ships since 2004, aligning with its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.
In 2022, AIDA signed a memorandum of understanding with Cruise Baltic, a network of 32 Baltic Sea ports, to promote shore power usage throughout the region.
The company's involvement continued with the inauguration of Denmark’s first shore power system in Aarhus in June 2023, where AIDAmar ship was the first vessel to connect. Similarly, AIDAdiva ship inaugurated Sweden’s first shore power facility in Stockholm in July 2024.
Most recently, AIDAluna ship marked the opening of Oslo’s new shore power installation in September 2024, extending shore-side power availability to 12 ports across 6 European countries.
Looking ahead, AIDA Cruises will again serve as a key partner in the opening of Copenhagen’s first shore power facility for cruise ships in 2025. This sustained focus on shore power, along with AIDA's investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternative energy sources, reflects the cruise line's long-standing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. As part of the broader Carnival Corporation, AIDA remains on course to achieve net-zero emissions for its fleet by 2050.