August 5, 2025
Given the infrastructure already in place and the technical capabilities available, from 2027 the Port of Hamburg will generally expect all shore power-capable cruise ships calling at the port to make use of the service.
Ahead of the EU-wide obligation coming into force in 2030, supplying vessels with sustainably generated electricity from shore during their time in port is already playing a key role in the development of the Port of Hamburg’s infrastructure. From 2026, all cruise terminals in Hamburg will be equipped with shore power facilities.
In July 2023, the European Union Council adopted the alternative fuels infrastructure regulation (AFIR) which establishes, among other things, that maritime ports must provide shore-side electricity for vessels by 2030.
This is already the case at the Altona and Steinwerder cruise terminals, and from next year the new terminal in HafenCity will follow, with its shore power connection scheduled for installation and trial operation during the year. To use shore power, each vessel must be individually certified and equipped with the necessary on-board systems.
The Hamburg Port Authority has already concluded contractual agreements on shore power use with numerous cruise lines, including major operators such as AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises, and TUI Cruises, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line, Phoenix Reisen, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
