The shore power facility at Revier Quay will help drive a substantial reduction of carbon emissions from cruise ships visiting Oslo.
The official opening was conducted by the owner of Port of Oslo, Vice Mayor for Culture and Business Development, Anita Leirvik North.
- We have very high environmental goals and are working to become the world’s first emission-free city. Now, cruise ships can connect to shore power at Revier Quay. This is an important step towards a more environmentally friendly cruise and tourism industry in Oslo, says Vice Mayor Leirvik North.
AMBITIOUS: - We have very high environmental goals and are working to become the world’s first zero-emission city. Now, cruise ships can connect to shore power at Revier Quay, and this is an important step towards a more environmentally friendly cruise and tourism industry in Oslo, says North.
A Momentous Day for the Port
- This is a great day for us, marking that we are closer to fulfilling our ambitious zero-emission vision, says Einar Marthinussen, commercial director at Port of Oslo.
The port aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2030 and ultimately transform into a zero-emission port.
The opening coincided with the arrival of the cruise ship AIDAluna, which connected to shore power.
Einar Marthinussen and Captain Marc-Dominique Tidow of AIDAluna assisted Vice Mayor North as she cut the ribbon.
In his speech, the captain said:
- For us, shore power is an important technology on the way to net-zero emissions in ship operations, as a cruise ship spend an average of 8 to 10 hours a day in port. For many years, we have been campaigning in the destinations for the development of this environmentally friendly infrastructure and supporting the ports in commissioning the corresponding shore power plants.
- We are very pleased to be able to supply our AIDA ships with shore power in the port of Oslo, an important port in Northern Europe. Shore power is a relevant technology for us on the way to net-zero emissions in ship operations. With the commissioning of this system, our cruise ships can now obtain green energy from shore in 12 ports in six European countries, Dirk Inger, Senior Vice President Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability at AIDA Cruises says in a statement.
A Greener Future for Maritime Shipping
Although it’s official opening was today, the shore power facility has been operational since May 19.
To date, 20 of 43 cruise ships have switched off their diesel engines and connected to the facility since it began operating, with more cruise ships expected to convert to shore power.
- Cruise ships are part of Oslo’s tourism industry and enjoy Oslo’s fantastic cultural, entertainment, and leisure offerings. This shows that the cruise lines are participating in the green transition in Oslo, making them attractive partners for the local tourism industry. By 2026, we will have a clear expectation that all cruise ships docking at Revier Quay will connect to shore power, says Vice Mayor Leirvik North.
Significant Emission Reductions
The 2022 climate report for Oslo shows that cruise ships emit approximately 8 thousand tons of CO₂ within municipal boundaries, including during their approach to the Port:
In 2025, Port of Oslo will also open a shore power facility for cruise ships docking at Filipstadkaia.
These new installations can help reduce emissions from cruise ships within Oslo's maritime boundary by up to 80% over the next 3 to 4 years, as all cruise ships will be required to connect to shore power.
- This is an important step towards achieving our ambitious climate goals for the port and the city. Oslo has ambitious climate goals, and there is a clear expectation from us that all business operators working on water and on land in Oslo support this vision, says Vice Mayor Leirvik North.
TEAMWORK: Suppliers, partners, employees of the Port of Oslo, and members of the Port of Oslo - Board of directors were thanked for their efforts in realizing the new shore power facility for cruise ships at Revier Quay.
Versatile and flexible
The new shore power facility is designed for the future and is adaptable to various needs. Cruise ships converting to battery technology in the coming years will be able to charge and sail emission-free in and out of the city. By Christmas, Oslo's electric buses will also be able to charge their batteries at this facility.
FACTS:
- Shore power provides electricity from a land-based facility to power ships while docked at the port. The facility allows vessels to switch off diesel engines and continue operating while moored at the port.
- Port of Oslo received approximately 27.5 million NOK in ENOVA funding for the shore power facility at Revierkaia.
- The total cost of the facility was approximately 65 million NOK.
- Port of Oslo plans to open a shore power facility for cruise ships at Filipstadkaia in 2025, ensuring access to shore power at both of Oslo’s cruise terminals.
- The shore power facility at Revier Quay has a capacity of 16 MW and can supply power to cruise ships and electric buses.