Unlike many other cruise ports, Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven (Bremen, Germany) was not put on absolute lockdown during the pandemic and was able to meet the challenges by creating an emergency plan to deal with returning ships and processing crew sign-offs and repatriations.
Together with the port authority, shipping lines, and public health officials, CCCB succeeded in performing achievement in the last few months despite the total collapse of conventional cruising.
CCCB has been making preparations for the potential return of cruise shipping and there is a concept for handling ships on the “re-start”.
The cruise lines are also tackling the situation by plans to prevent the spread of virus-related illnesses, enabling a gradual re-start in compliance with the requirements of health authorities.
In compliance with Bremen Senate’s decision, as from 2023 ships in Bremerhaven should be able to be supplied with clean eco-power.
For the cruise operators, it will likely be possible by 2023 to source shoreside power at Columbus Quay which is operated by Bremerhaven Columbus Cruise Center GmbH. A total of 8 stationary shore-power outlets are planned and will be fed entirely with green electricity from the city grid.
The shore-power stations for ships are a further step of Port Bremerhaven to becoming a climate-neutral port. In order to reduce carbon and particle emissions, the Federal Government is funding 50% of the investment costs for the 8 units in the ports. For them to be used effectively it’s necessary that as many vessels as possible are re-fitted and that newbuilds are appropriately equipped.