As the deadline for the mandatory installation of ship-to-shore power connection systems (Offshore Power Supply − OPS) approaches, the Port of Hamburg is accelerating the implementation of this system.
It is noted that, following an EU directive, OPS systems must be fully operational in all ports within the EU’s jurisdiction by 2030. The Port of Hamburg, for its part, will already offer cold ironing services at all cruise terminals by 2026. At the same time, the corresponding infrastructure for container ships and inland waterway vessels in the German port is under construction. The port administration estimates that by 2027, given the available infrastructure, every cruise ship equipped with the necessary technology will be electrically connected to shore power.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that, according to the port, cold ironing services are widely accepted, particularly by the cruise ship market. The Port of Hamburg has already entered into agreements with leading cruise ship operators regarding the electrical connection of ships to shore power—including MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and AIDA Cruises.
