Sharing shore power goals

Carnival Norway is actively incorporating ports offering shore power into their schedules, as well as engaging with ports developing shore technology, while ports are exploring the potential of shore power to help cut operational emissions.

Speaking at GreenPort Cruise and Congress 2019, Sandra Bratland, director of destination affairs at Carnival Group Norway explained that the company has been involved with shore power planning at three ports in Europe.

“We have had extensive dialogue with the Port of Kristiansand during the planning process,” she said.

“We are in close contact with the ports of Bergen and Alesund now that they have decided to build their facilities, and we are also in dialogue with other ports that are considering building shore power but haven’t decided yet,” she added.

Green Regal Princess
Carnival Norway’s Regal Princess first connected to shore power at the Port of Kristiansand on 16 September 2018. The ship called at the port several times this year and will do so again in 2020.

Ms Bratland said the company’s ships will also use the Port of Bergen’s shore power facility, when it is expected to open with three high voltage connection points at the start of the 2020 cruise season. As well as offering these three simultaneous charging points, the port is also commissioning some smaller connection points. It will also call at Alesund Cruise Port, in 2021 when the port’s shore power facility will be ready for use.

The Port of Oslo is also exploring the potential of shore power as it pursues its goal to reduce its CO emissions 85% by 2030 and become the world’s most effective and environmentally friendly city port with zero-emission operations.

In January, the port opened a new shore power facility enabling ferries operated by DFDS and Stena Line to connect to electricity at berth.

Jens Eirik Hagen, project manager – planning and development at the Port of Oslo, told Congress delegates that a plan is being developed to enable the port to combine shore power charging and a battery storage project for more local energy production

Engagement facilitates development

“Ensuring sustainable cruise operations in Norway requires technological innovation and solutions, but also requires good and close dialogue with stakeholders including at a national, regional and local level,” stressed Ms Bratland.

This year, Carnival Norway has arranged nearly 30 visits and meetings onboard its ships with local residents, politicians and other stakeholders, said Ms Bratland. “These focus entirely on the extensive environmental measures done onboard our ships and by our company.”

Carnival Norway has set up multiple sustainably-focused agreements with organisations, including a three-year environmental agreement with environmental NGO Bellona. It has also participated in eco projects, including one by Cleantech which focuses on possible solutions for emission-free sailing on Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Fjords from 2026.