Cruise line association pushes for shore power in ports

The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) urges cruise ports to be equipped with shore power facilities by 2035 to cut emissions for ships while at berth.

PHOTO: Queen-Victoria at the Holland America Quay of Cruise Port Rotterdam (Willem van Kasteren). Port of Rotterdam

Shore power is a key component towards realising CLIA's cruise line members' newly announced target of net zero carbon cruising by 2050, it says.

CLIA asserts that cruise ships are being retrofitted to connect with shore power, and has partnered with cities and ports to develop these facilities.

In ports where shore power is unavailable, ships will use alternative low carbon technologies, says CLIA.

Major ports are adopting shore power to end the common practice for ships to keep their engines running while anchored in port. The Port of Rotterdam aims to reduce emissions by connecting 90% of cruise ships arriving in the port to shore power by 2030.

CLIA expects cruise passenger numbers to recover to pre-pandemic levels by next year and supersede pre-pandemic levels by 2026.