Port of Oslo opens new shore power facility for cruise ships

Norway’s Port of Oslo has officially inaugurated a new shore power plant for cruise ships, marking an important milestone in the port’s green transition.

The official opening on September 24, 2024, was made by Oslo Harbor’s owner – City Council for Culture and Industry.

“We have very high environmental targets and are working to become the world’s first emission-free city. Now the cruise ships can connect to shore power at Revierkaia, and it is an important step for a more environmentally friendly cruise and tourist industry in Oslo,” Anita Leirvik North, Vice Mayor for Culture and Business Development, commented.

The shore power system at Revierkaia is expected to significantly reduce emissions from cruise ships visiting Oslo. It is already the fifth shore power system in Norway.

The Port of Oslo has received a commitment of NOK 27.5 million (about €2.4 million) in ENOVA support for the shore power plant at Revierkaia. The actual cost of the plant was NOK 65 million.

A big day for the port

“It is a big day for us to open the onshore power plant. We work purposefully every day to fulfill our ambitious zero emissions vision, and are now one step closer,” Einar Marthinussen, Commercial Director at the Port of Oslo, said.

The port’s goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2030 and become a zero-emission port in the long term.

The opening took place in connection with the call of AIDA Cruises’ cruise ship AIDAluna, which was connected to shore power.

With the symbolic act of cutting a ribbon, the shore power system was put into official regular operation. This was preceded by an extensive test phase in which AIDAluna was already successfully supplied with green energy from land.

“For us, shore power is an important technology on the way to net zero emissions in ship operations. A cruise ship spends an average of eight to ten hours a day in port. For many years we have worked for the development of this environmentally friendly infrastructure, and supported the ports in establishing corresponding shore power facilities,” Captain Marc-Dominique Tidow pointed out.

“We are very happy 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, stressed.

A greener future for shipping

The shore power system has been tested since May 19. So far, 20 out of 43 cruise ships have switched off their diesel engines and connected to the facility during this period. More and more cruise ships are being prepared to receive shore power.

“Thank you for the excellent cooperation during the test phase. Your ship, AIDAbella, was the first to be fully connected to this facility. Since then, both AIDAmar and AIDAluna have visited us. Thank you for helping to reduce emissions and support Oslo’s ambitious climate goals. So far, 20 out of 43 cruise ships are connected to the facility. 2024 should be a kind of test year in which both the Port of Oslo and the shipping companies should familiarize themselves with the facility. A connection rate of around 50 percent is more than we dared to hope for at this time,” Marthinussen added.

Significant emission cuts

The climate report for Oslo for 2022 shows that the cruise ships have emissions of approximately 8,000 tonnes of CO2 within Oslo municipality’s borders – including the entry.

In 2025, the Port of Oslo plans to open shore power facilities for the cruise ships calling at Filipstadkaia as well. As a result, both cruise quays in Oslo will be equipped with shore power facilities.

The new shore power facilities have the potential to reduce emissions from cruise ships within the Oslo municipality’s maritime boundary by up to 80% over the next three to four years, as all cruise ships will have to connect to shore power.

“This is an important step towards achieving our ambitious climate goals for the port and for the city. Oslo has ambitious climate goals, and it is a clear expectation from us that all businesses operating on water and on land in Oslo support that vision,” North continued.

Multiple use

The new shore power plant — which has a capacity of 16MW– is designed for the future and is multi-use.

Once cruise ships get batteries in a few years, they can 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 from the same facility.