AIDA Cruises continues to make progress in the use of shore power and biofuels

AIDA Cruises continues to make progress in the use of shore power and biofuels

In the first half of 2025, AIDA Cruises used more than 3,300 tons of bio-LNG for AIDAnova. AIDA ships had already connected to shore power more than 250-times by end of August 2025.

As part of its decarbonization strategy, AIDA Cruises has been investing for many years in a sustainable cruise market and is helping to pioneer the maritime energy transition in many areas. Using technical innovations and alternative fuels, the company demonstrates practical solutions. With two new ships being built and scheduled for delivery in 2030 and winter 2031/2032, AIDA is setting a course for further growth under its modernization program Evolution including the use of innovative technologies. Therefore, a high three-digit million amount will be invested in the ships.

Expansion of Biofuel Usage

"After an initial test in 2024, AIDA Cruises sourced more than 3,300 tons of ISCC EU-certified bio-LNG for AIDAnova in the ports of Hamburg, Kiel and Zeebrugge during the first half of 2025. The bio-LNG originates from agricultural biogas plants across Europe and was made usable for maritime applications via the mass balance method at a liquefaction facility in Belgium," said Dirk Inger, Senior Vice President Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability.

"It's widely understood that sustainably produced biofuels can only contribute to achieving the climate goals of Paris, the EU and the IMO in the short term due to their limited availability. That's why we are working with partners from science and industry to explore future applications of so-called e-fuels on our cruise ships, which are produced from renewable energies," said Dirk Inger today in Hamburg. "Challenges in our planning include the availability of renewable fuels, their industrial production, and the currently non-competitive prices." Moreover, there are still no internationally uniform regulations for using alternative fuels on board cruise ships in many areas."

AIDA Cruises has also been using various biofuels on AIDAprima since summer 2022. For example, in 2024, AIDAprima used 100% of a so-called residual biofuel (BMF 100) for the first time as part of a pilot project, which, according to the manufacturer, reduces CO ₂ emissions by more than 90%.

In addition, all LNG-powered ships in the AIDA fleet are already prepared to use bio- and e-fuels when the fuels are more widely available for use in the cruise sector. The multi-fuel propulsion technology of the next generation of AIDA ships, scheduled to enter service in spring 2030 and winter 2031/2032, will also be prepared to use of various bio- and e-fuels.

AIDA Cruises as a pioneer in shore power in Europe

AIDA Cruises is a driving force in the use of shore power within the European cruise industry. For more than 20 years, the company has considered shore power in the planning and construction of its ships. In 2017, AIDAsol became the first cruise ship to operate using shore power provided at Europe's first shore power facility in Hamburg Altona.

Thanks to the expansion of shore power facilities in European ports, AIDA ships increased their connections from 65 in 2023 to 381 in 2024. By end of August 2025, AIDA ships had already connected to shore power more than 250 times, allowing them to shut down their main engines while docked to use onshore energy to power onboard systems and equipment, reducing emissions by up to 98%, depending on the mix of energy sources; this also improves the local air quality. By the end of this year, the number of successful shore power connections is expected to increase to more than 400 across our fleet. For AIDA Cruises, shore power is a key technology on the path to net-zero emissions in ship operations, as cruise ships spend 8 to 10 hours per day in port.

AIDA Cruises continues to support shore power and assists ports in testing and final commissioning their facilities. "For us, this technology is a relevant central topic to the transformation of cruising in Europe," emphasized Dirk Inger. "We see that the offering has evolved in recent years-not least due to close cooperation between ports, policymakers, and the cruise industry. To maintain this momentum, we need reliable framework conditions and consistent implementation of expansion plans."

Currently, shore power is available in 14 ports across seven European countries where AIDA ships call, including Hamburg, Warnemünde, Kiel and other major cities such as Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. AIDA calls at around 350 different ports worldwide each year.

Largest Battery Storage System in the cruise industry

In addition to shore power and biofuels, AIDA Cruises relies on other energy production technologies to make ship operations more efficient and lower emissions. In 2022, the largest battery storage system in the cruise industry, with a capacity of 10 MWh, was installed on board AIDAprima. For this innovation, the company was awarded the ESG Shipping Award International in Gold in 2024.

The batteries are used during sea operations in a process known as peak shaving. This means the engines operate within an optimal performance range, thus consuming less fuel. Excess energy is stored in the batteries and made available during periods of increased energy demand.

Energy Management for greater efficiency

AIDA Cruises invests seven-figure amounts annually in various projects to increase energy efficiency on board its fleet. These projects aim to continuously reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on board through retrofitting new technologies and system upgrades. Examples include technical modifications to improve efficiency in air conditioning systems and refrigeration units, and improved use of waste heat on board. In cabins and public areas, AIDA Cruises consistently uses LED technology, demand-driven cabin lighting, and efficient light-dimming systems.

All AIDA ships are equipped with an integrated energy management system and are connected to a group-wide data platform. This platform provides decision-support information for the continuous optimization of ship operations. Additionally, digital tools are used to analyze various operational data using machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to further improve energy efficiency.

About AIDA Cruises

AIDA Cruises operates 11 ships that call at over 350 ports in 60 countries across five continents. With two newbuilds scheduled for delivery in 2030 and winter 2031/2032, the company is pursuing further growth under its Evolution Program, including the use of innovative technologies. AIDA Cruises currently employs 18,000 people. As part of Carnival Corporation & plc, AIDA Cruises aspires to achieve net-zero emissions in ship operations by 2050.

Rostock, September 9, 2025

Kaleidoscope powered 2_0