Cruise lines unveil plans to...

The first cruise ships will be connected to the port power grid in 2026

The Port of Barcelona and several cruise operators have agreed to set up a working group to ensure energy used at the hub is 100% renewable and encourage ships to connect to shoreside electricity.

Nexigen, the name given to the project to electrify the Port of Barcelona’s docks, requires an investment of €110 million and was described by the port as “a key element in achieving the goal of being a climate-neutral port by 2050”.

It is understood the first cruise ships will be connected to the port power grid in 2026.

The port estimates the electrification of all cruise berths and the ferry terminals at Sant Bertran dock can reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions by 66,000 tonnes and Nitrous Oxide emissions by 1,234 tonnes.

This would mean 38% of emissions from ships and 22% of emissions from other port activity would be eliminated.

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages have all signed the collaboration agreement.

Damià Calvet, president of the Port of Barcelona, told the Seatrade Cruise Med 2022 fair yesterday this was “an important step that confirms the commitment of the cruise community to the city of Barcelona and to society as a whole”.

Clia Europe director general Marie-Caroline Laurent said: “Today’s agreement between the port of Barcelona and cruise operators is an important example of how collaboration is accelerating progress towards achieving our ambitious climate targets.

“Equipping our ships to connect to shoreside electricity is sustainable tourism in action for the benefit of the local communities we visit.”