Shoreside Electricity Capability

The importance of shoreside electricity

The route towards net-zero carbon cruising has many paths. One of the key areas identified as making a significant impact in terms of emissions is the implementation and use of shoreside electricity (SSE) at ports. This means ships can connect directly to power sources on shore, thereby extinguishing their engines, and eliminating carbon emissions while the ship is berthed.

As part of the EU’s Fit for 55 programme, all main ports in the European Union will have to use shoreside electricity by 2030. CLIA and our cruise lines are committed to connecting to shoreside electricity when it is available and to working closely with ports to make this possible. We are encouraging ports where cruise ships are scheduled to dock to prioritise the investment in shore power supply facilities at the cruise berths.

Cruise lines are already making substantial investments to equip ships to connect to shoreside electricity where possible. At least 66% of cruise ships will be capable of connecting to shoreside electricity in the next five years.

Port infrastructure investment

Port infrastructure had been identified by CLIA as an important area where public finance investment is essential. While ports across Europe are starting to drive forward projects to implement shoreside power capability, this is complex expensive to do and involves many players. It is another area where collaboration between ports, operators, and public authorities is vital. There are still only relatively few cruise berths in European ports which provide SSE, and public finance is essential in order to meet EU goals.

CLIA members are committed to working with ports and local authorities to support these projects. So far, however, more cruise ships are equipped with shore power connections than there are ports internationally that offer this option.