Overcoming green cruise challenges

Like other industries, the cruise industry is also facing sustainability challenges where, among other things, ships are connected to electricity at the quay to an increasing extent.

“The city has been named the world’s most sustainable destination six times in a row, and we receive indications from tour operators that guests want to learn more about it and what Gothenburg concretely does to be sustainable,” says Nicole Brattåsen, cruise operations manager at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

Alternative fuels

The port is also looking at alternative ship fuels such as biogas and methanol.

Indeed, Gothenburg was the first to introduce operating regulations for the bunkering of both methanol and biogas and it’s investing heavily in becoming a central bunkering hub for alternative fuels.

”It contributes to increasing the rate of conversion and at the same time makes us more attractive as a destination for shipping companies that invest in green conversion,” says Ms Brattåsen.

A total of 81 cruise ships called at the Port of Gothenburg in 2022. That is seven calls more than the previous record season of 2014.

The 2023 cruise season already looks set to be another record year for Gothenburg with a total of 92 calls are booked to date. But the port is throwing caution to the wind.

“On the one hand, we have a recession coming on that affects all the experience industries. On a slightly more regional level, we need to find a new identity for the Baltic region needs without St. Petersburg,” said Ms Brattåsen.