{"id":1458,"date":"2021-06-30T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portstrategy.nfdtesting.uk\/greenport\/2021\/06\/30\/shorepower-boosts-greener-cruising\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T13:51:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T12:51:04","slug":"shorepower-boosts-greener-cruising","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/news\/cruise-greenport\/shorepower-boosts-greener-cruising\/","title":{"rendered":"Shorepower boosts greener cruising"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Valletta Cruise Port is the gateway to Malta\u2019s capital, welcoming more than half a million cruise passengers each year into a city that is often described as an open-air museum. \u201cThe Grand Harbour is not just a passenger port: it is a multi-use destination,\u201d says Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe port is home to many residents, the workplace of many others and a place of relaxation for locals and tourists alike: There are age-old historical sites, walking promenades, entertainment zones, office buildings and even beaches in this strategic port,\u201d says Mr Xuereb. \u201cThus, any activity within the port is a juggling game which requires careful planning and management.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Slashing emissions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Impressive new shore power facilities will add to the existing drawcards of Valletta over the next few years, helping reduce cruise ship emissions in the port. Mr Xuereb explains: \u201cThis is a project spearheaded by Infrastructure Malta and the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Transport Malta and supported by Valletta Cruise Port with investment to the tune of \u20ac49.9 million. Valletta\u2019s Grand Harbour will be one of the European leaders in shore-supply provision for cruise ships.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Work commenced in November 2020, and is ongoing on a number of quays around the port. The project will result in major air quality improvements with drastic reductions in emissions in the Grand Harbour. \u201cThis innovative system will make it possible to reduce the emissions of pollutant gases by over 40 tons a year, the equivalent of continuous circulation of over 4 million vehicles,\u201d says Mr Xuereb. \u201cSpecifically, the port will be able to reduce SOx, NOx, CO2 and PM emissions.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline_image inline_image_right image_size_small fullsize\" data-attachment=\"107353\" data-sequence=\"2\"><button class=\"show-fullscreen\" data-url=\"\/attachment?attype=P&amp;atcode=107353&amp;storycode=1401287\">Show Fullscreen<\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"picture\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"GPH\" src=\"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/01_107353_Stephen-Xuereb_1690_pp_cropped.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyloaded wp-image-1460\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/01_107353_Stephen-Xuereb_1690_pp_cropped.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/01_107353_Stephen-Xuereb_1690_pp_cropped-290x300.webp 290w, https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/01_107353_Stephen-Xuereb_1690_pp_cropped-991x1024.webp 991w, https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/01_107353_Stephen-Xuereb_1690_pp_cropped-768x793.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"inline_meta\">\n<p class=\"inline_title\">Stephen Xuereb<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline_caption\">COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>This project will ramp up the port\u2019s capacity to meet ambitious targets for reducing the port\u2019s carbon footprint. The carbon dioxide emissions reduction will have a positive impact on the Grand Harbour\u2019s carbon footprint, helping Malta reach its greenhouse gases reduction targets.<\/p>\n<p>It is estimated that Malta will save millions in costs linked to the measurable consequences of air pollution, such as savings on medical expenses related to respiratory illnesses and other related conditions, savings on air pollution mitigation measures to protect the natural environment, savings on infrastructure maintenance, including cleaning and restoration of building facades and improvements in agriculture.<\/p>\n<p>Other welcome benefits include reductions in noise pollution and vibrations. \u201cBy switching off their engines during their stay in Malta and switching to shore power, ships will be able to cut most of their noise pollution and related vibrations, contributing to an enhanced quality of life in this area for residents, workers and visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As an added bonus, the shore power project will indirectly help in the conservation of historic buildings in the area. \u201cMillions of Euros are invested annually in the restoration of the numerous historical buildings and fortifications surrounding the Grand Harbour,\u201d says Mr Xuereb. \u201cThis project is also contributing to the long-term conservation of these invaluable buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The positive outcomes of the initiatives underway at the port will have impacts in the wider region, too. As a signatory to UNWTO\u2019s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, Valletta Cruise Port follows a comprehensive set of principles designed to guide key players in tourism development. \u201cThe code aims to help maximise the sector\u2019s benefits while mitigating any potentially negative impacts on the environment, cultural heritage and communities,\u201d says Mr Xuereb. \u201cWe understand that the cruise industry and port activity impact the local communities in various ways. Valletta Cruise Port, also through the Valletta Waterfront destination, is committed to carrying out its activities responsibly, with the aim of leaving a positive impact on the local community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Operational excellence<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The cruise industry leaves a huge economic impact on the Maltese economy. In 2019, direct expenditure by the cruise industry locally amounted to \u20ac83.36 million of which \u20ac31 million was expenditure by cruise passengers and \u20ac52 million expenditure by cruise lines. Valletta Cruise Port is actively involved in the community, and supports a number of causes, particularly those with a humanitarian and social impact in the areas of art and culture and the environment, also through the Valletta Cruise Port Social Club.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is part and parcel of who we are as a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding, the world\u2019s largest cruise port operator with an established presence in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific regions with 19 cruise ports in 13 countries,\u201d says Mr Xuereb. \u201cWith a strong focus on operational excellence, enhanced security practices and customer-oriented services, we aim to contribute to the development of the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This approach includes communicating how the services and facilities the port offers can help their cruise operator clients improve their own environmental profiles in turn. \u201cValletta Cruise Port has made a name for itself in the cruise industry, not least because of the very positive close links it has nurtured with all of the cruise line companies that call Malta,\u201d says Mr Xuereb. \u201cThese relationships were all built on a solid reputation for service delivery, and have been centred around a modus operandi of flexibility, reliability and commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline_image inline_image_right image_size_med fullsize zoom\" data-attachment=\"107354\" data-sequence=\"3\"><button class=\"show-fullscreen\" data-url=\"\/attachment?attype=P&amp;atcode=107354&amp;storycode=1401287\">Show Fullscreen<\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"picture\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Valletta Cruise Port by night.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/02_107354_Valletta-Cruise-Port-by-night.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazyloaded wp-image-1461\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/02_107354_Valletta-Cruise-Port-by-night.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/02_107354_Valletta-Cruise-Port-by-night-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/02_107354_Valletta-Cruise-Port-by-night-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/02_107354_Valletta-Cruise-Port-by-night-600x400.webp 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"inline_meta\">\n<p class=\"inline_title\">Valletta Skyline<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline_source\"><cite>Source: GPH<\/cite><\/p>\n<p class=\"inline_caption\">Valletta Cruise Port by night.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Over the years Valletta Cruise Port\u2019s efforts have been recognized by a number of awards including Best Terminal Operator by Cruise Insight for two consecutive years, and Top-Rated Mediterranean Cruise Destination in Cruise Critic Cruisers\u2019 Choice. \u201cThe pride in these awards is that the former is voted for by cruise operators whereas the latter is voted for by the cruise passengers themselves,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuch awards and others recognise the flawless service delivered by the port, and the continued development and investment in its facilities in the last several years. This has been appreciated by both passengers and the cruise trade at large, culminating in over 900,000 passenger movements in 2019.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Participation in certification systems for sustainability is an important part of the organisation\u2019s sustainability strategy. Valletta Cruise Port is in the process of implementing an Environmental Risk Management System (ERMS). In addition, its environmental and conservation policy is in compliance with ISO 14001:2015, which Mr Xuereb describes as \u201ca baseline requirement for almost all national and international \u2018green port\u2019 accreditations\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Good relationships with stakeholders in the city and surrounding region are also critical to the success of Valletta Cruise Port\u2019s sustainability strategy. \u201cThe Malta Cruise Network Forum, comprised of key local stakeholders, meets on a frequent basis to plan forward, in the spirit of cooperation and responsiveness that is beneficial to all parties. The forum also aims to pre-empt any potential challenges and brings together the Tourism Ministry, Malta Tourism Authority, Valletta Cruise Port, Transport Malta, and the Malta Police, involving other parties directly as required.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Looking to the future, ongoing projects like the shore-to-ship electricity project will help Malta in fulfilling international and European objectives, from MARPOL Annex VI, Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Noise Emissions (WHO), Directive 2012\/33\/EU and Directive 2014\/94\/EU to the Blue Growth Strategy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cavotec contract for Valletta<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cavotec has been awarded the contract to provide shore power to five cruise liner berths at Malta\u2019s Valletta Grand Harbour. The project is part of an EU-funded initiative by Infrastructure Malta to electrify the entire harbour.<\/p>\n<p>The solution has been tailored by Cavotec to meet the specific requirements of Valletta Cruise Port and will allow for connection of vessels over the entire port length. Using a mobile cable management system, PowerMove, it will provide ship-to-shore connectivity with units connected to the island\u2019s energy infrastructure. Cables will extend between 45m and 55m along each vessel\u2019s berth from the shore socket box to the vessel connection point.<\/p>\n<p>An adjustable remote-controlled telescopic arm will compensate for tide changes and the location of the power connections on cruise ships. Power will be provided to cruise vessels independently of their electrical requirements (6.6 KV or 11Kv, in 50Hz or 60Hz).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Government of Malta is installing new shore power at Valletta Cruise Port to preserve the local environment and enhance the attractiveness of visiting cruise ships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1459,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[109],"sponsor":[],"class_list":["post-1458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cruise-greenport","tag-malta"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1458"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1462,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1458\/revisions\/1462"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1458"},{"taxonomy":"sponsor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sponsor?post=1458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}