The Port of Hamburg is set to lead the way in the adoption of shore power for cruise ships, offering comprehensive shore power facilities four years ahead of the EU’s mandatory regulation.
From 2027, all cruise ships visiting the port will be expected to utilize shore power during their time in port, aligning with Hamburg’s status as a European pioneer in shore power infrastructure development.
Hamburg has long prioritized shore power for cruise ships and is now expanding the infrastructure to accommodate inland vessels and sea-going cargo ships.
With the EU’s mandatory shore power requirement coming into effect in 2030, the Port of Hamburg is already proactively integrating sustainably generated electricity from shore, playing a crucial role in the port’s ongoing infrastructure development.
Starting in 2026, all cruise terminals in Hamburg will be equipped with shore power facilities. The Altona and Steinwerder cruise terminals are already operational with shore power connections, and the new terminal in HafenCity will follow suit with its connection installation and trial operation scheduled for next year.
For vessels to use shore power, they must be individually certified and equipped with the appropriate on-board systems.
The Port of Hamburg is expanding its shore power offerings in close collaboration with shipping line partners and port customers.
This initiative is already seeing wide acceptance from cruise operators, and with continued advancements in new and retrofitted ships, this trend is expected to accelerate. New vessels are increasingly being built with shore power capabilities as standard.
The Hamburg Port Authority has secured contracts for shore power usage with numerous major cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Phoenix Reisen, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
With the existing infrastructure and technical capabilities in place, by 2027, the Port of Hamburg will require all cruise ships capable of using shore power to take advantage of the service.
