Hamburg pioneers mandating shorepower

Currently, shorepower is available at the Altona and Steinwerder cruise terminals, with all cruise terminals in Hamburg set to be equipped by 2026.

The upcoming HafenCity terminal will also have shorepower connections installed and undergo trial operations next year. For vessels to access shorepower, they must be certified and equipped with the necessary onboard systems.

The use of shorepower is expanding rapidly, supported by close collaboration between the Hamburg Port Authority, shipping lines and port customers. Many cruise operators, including AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Phoenix Reisen and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, have already signed agreements to use the service.

This trend is expected to continue as new ships are increasingly built with shorepower capabilities as standard or retrofitted accordingly. Ports across the world are focusing on cleaning up cruise with key deals announced or already under way in Italy, Barcelona, Massachusetts and France.

By 2027, the Port of Hamburg plans to generally require all shorepower-capable cruise ships calling at the port to use the facility.

In addition to cruise ships, Hamburg is also developing shorepower infrastructure for inland vessels and sea-going cargo ships, reflecting its broader commitment to environmental responsibility and cleaner maritime transport.