Port of Oslo launches shore power for cruise ships

The Norwegian port of Oslo has announced the opening of shore power facility for cruise ships at Revier Quay.

PHOTO: Cruise ship AIDAluna connected to shore power in Oslo. Port of Oslo

Shore power provides electricity from land to docked ships, allowing them to shut off their diesel engines while docked in a port.

The port authority announced the opening of the shore power facility on Tuesday, while it has been available in the port since 19 May. The cruise ship AIDAluna connected to the system on Tuesday. So far, 20 of 43 cruise ships have used the shore power facility, with more expected to do so.

By 2026, all cruise ships docking at Revier Quay will be expected to connect to shore power, Oslo’s Vice Mayor Leirvik North said.

The Revier Quay facility, with a capacity of 16 megawatts (MW), can also supply electricity to electric buses.

The project, partially funded by Enova SF, the Norwegian government’s clean tech funding body, aims to promote clean technologies, boost renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, the Port of Oslo plans to open a shore power facility for cruise ships at Filipstadkaia by 2025, ensuring both of Oslo’s cruise terminals have shore power access.

Shore power gaining momentum

Shore power has been gaining traction across ports and ship operators globally because it helps to reduce emissions while a ship is berthed.

The number of cruise ships equipped with shore power has risen by 23% from the previous year, reaching 147 ships so far this year, according to the annual report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

There are currently 118 facilities across ports globally that offer shore power connectivity to vessels, with 47 more planned and four under discussion, according to the classification society DNV.

By Tuhin Roy

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