The Port of Kiel has commissioned Siemens to build Germany's largest shore power system to date. With a power of 16 megavolt amperes (MVA), the Siharbor solution will supply two ships simultaneously with certified eco-power, for the first time. This will reduce annual CO2 emissions by more than 8,000 tons. The system is expected to go into test operation within the 2020 cruise ship season. Maritime shipping plays a special role in Kiel. The port is the point of departure for cruises and has ferry connections to the Baltic states and Scandinavia. 32 different cruise ships stopped in 174 times at the port facilities in 2018.
"By building this new shore power system we will actively support the climate objectives of the Schleswig-Holstein state capital," said Dr. Dirk Claus, managing director with the Port of Kiel. "The shore connection system lets us draw electricity from renewable energy sources, both for cruise ships docked at the Ostseekai and for the ferry at the Schwedenkai. We thereby take on a leading role and consistently implement our Blue Port concept for a sustainable and future-oriented development of the Port of Kiel. In future 60 percent of the energy demand required by the ships entering Kiel will be covered by climate-friendly shore power as diesel generators will be shut down while they are berthed."