On September 27, 2024, Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP), the Danish cruise network "Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and Beyond" and AIDA Cruises discussed how best to implement the three dimensions of sustainability in an efficient, socially and environmentally sustainable way on board the AIDAnova cruise ship.
Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, welcomed members of the Danish Parliament and the Copenhagen City Council, tourism service providers, and cruise-related companies aboard. The event aimed to promote dialogue on the sustainable development of the cruise industry.
The Baltic Sea is a very popular cruise destination among German visitors. Initially an exclusive summer cruise destination, AIDA Cruises has successfully developed, in conjunction with its destinations, a year-round destination. Copenhagen plays a central role in this: With a total of six ships, AIDA Cruises is now a regular visitor to the Danish capital throughout the year.
In the Baltic Sea region alone, we call at more than 20 ports, with Copenhagen registering the most AIDA calls. We visit these destinations as both guests and partners, and we are committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue. From guest management and the value chain to the promotion of sustainable projects, we are a reliable partner to the regions we visit,” explained AIDA President Felix Eichhorn. “We are particularly pleased that the commissioning of the first onshore power station for cruise ships in Copenhagen is planned for next year. We will be available to the port as partners in the project planning,” added Eichhorn.
Together with AIDA Cruises, ports in three Baltic Sea countries have already launched their shore power systems. Denmark's first shore power system, AIDAmar, was inaugurated in Aarhus in June 2023. Sweden's first system, AIDAdiva, became operational in Stockholm in July 2024. A new system, AIDAluna, was officially launched in Oslo on September 24, 2024. These flagship projects represent sustainable and collaborative development for Baltic Sea destinations.
“From the perspective of both Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and Beyond and Cruise Baltic – two of the leading cruise networks in the Baltic Sea region – the goal is to make the Baltic Sea the most sustainable cruise destination in the world, making cruise travel climate-neutral well before 2050. We are pleased to see the political interest and commitment to our work and our ambitions,” said Klaus Bondam, Director of Connectivity, Culture and Destinations at Wonderful Copenhagen.
The sustainability dialogue aboard the AIDAnova featured presentations and interactive Q&A sessions that allowed for in-depth discussions on environmental initiatives. Guest management at destinations was also addressed. The cruise industry sees itself as part of the solution, as cruises are the easiest form of travel to plan and manage compared to land-based tourism.
One of the program's highlights took participants behind the scenes of the AIDAnova, including the engine control room, the ship's shore power system, and the waste treatment facilities. Here, participants gained insight into AIDA Cruises' extensive sustainability measures and discussed operational and environmental issues directly with the ship's department heads.
A very special thank you to AIDA Cruises for hosting this important event and for sharing their vision on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. The Port of Copenhagen Malmö (CMP) aspires to become one of the most sustainable ports in the world by 2025, and we look forward to continuing to work with the cruise industry, the City of Copenhagen, politicians, and local partners to offer the most sustainable cruise experience in Copenhagen,” summarized Luis de Carvalho, Commercial Director of Cruises at CMP.
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