This follows the opening of Sweden’s first cruise ship electricity connection in September 2024. Jens Holm, Chair of the Board of Ports of Stockholm, stated: “The inauguration of Sweden’s second onshore power connection for cruise ships is another important milestone for us and for the environment, and we are proud to be able to offer a more climate-smart solution for our shipping customers. It contributes greatly to creating a sustainable premium destination for cruise traffic, both in Stockholm and in the entire Baltic Sea region.”
The new high-voltage facility meets international standards, enabling ships to turn off auxiliary engines while docked, reducing air emissions and noise. With both facilities, Ports of Stockholm can power approximately half of all cruise ship visits. The electricity is sourced entirely from renewable energy, including wind and hydro power, supporting environmental goals.
As Sweden’s largest passenger port, Ports of Stockholm is committed to long-term collaboration with shipping partners to lower greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and noise from port activities. Expanding onshore power is a key strategy to meet these objectives. The port has partnered with Baltic Sea ports in Copenhagen/Malmö, Aarhus, and Helsinki, securing EU funding for the OPS investment at Stadsgården 160, a centrally located quay.
To encourage sustainable practices, Ports of Stockholm offers discounts on port fees for ships with high environmental performance, based on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and Clean Shipping Index (CSI). These incentives aim to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter.
The 2025 cruise season, which began last month with AIDAmar’s arrival, anticipates 136 ship calls, an increase in both visits and passengers compared to 2024. With two OPS facilities now operational at Stadsgården, Ports of Stockholm strengthens its role as a leader in sustainable cruise tourism in the Baltic Sea region.
