Sweden’s first OPS for cruise ships soon a reality in Ports of Stockholm

Sweden's first and one of Europe's first onshore power supply for cruise ships has passed an important milestone through test calls with ships in central Stockholm. Over 35 cruise ships are expected to connect by October this year.

Ports of Stockholm is now entering the final phase of the innovative project to install two onshore power facilities for cruise ships at Stadsgården quays in Stockholm. The shipping company AIDA, which is by far Ports of Stockholm's largest cruise customer, participated with the cruise ship AIDAdiva in the first test call, which took place on May 30.

“Onshore power for cruise ships is an important milestone for Stockholm as a sustainable premium destination, to achieve set climate goals and improve the environment in the city. We are extremely excited to enter the final completion of our facilities. We look forward to welcoming cruise ships that can benefit from this technology", says Jens Holm, Chair of the Board of Ports of Stockholm.

The facilities have been under construction for the past two years and will reduce emissions from cruise ships in port and reduce noise from the engines. By connecting a ship to the electricity grid, it can turn off its diesel generators and use onshore power instead, greatly reducing carbon dioxide emissions, air pollution and noise. At least 35 cruise ships are expected to be connected to the grid during the season, which is also a test period.

“As an onshore power pioneer in Europe AIDA Cruises has been committed to the development of sustainable infrastructure in Europe for many years. We are happy to work with Ports of Stockholm with our knowledge and ships in the commissioning process of Sweden’s first onshore power facility for cruise ships”, says Marco Torkler, Director Technical Projects & Operational support at AIDA Cruises.

Ports of Stockholm has worked closely with several international partners to ensure that the facilities meet the highest standards in both safety and efficiency.

The connection at berth S167 has been granted support from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's Klimatklivet. The project has also - together with the three Baltic Sea ports at Copenhagen/Malmö, Aarhus and Helsinki - been awarded grants from the EU to invest in onshore power supply.

When the project is completed, it will be possible for over 45 percent of cruise calls at Ports of Stockholm to connect to electricity at the quay.

Ports of Stockholm works actively, long-term and strategically for sustainable port operations and shipping. The environmental work is an integral part of the daily operations and follows the City of Stockholm's goal of a Stockholm that is climate positive in 2030 and fossil-free in 2040.