The Port of Barcelona is taking a step forward this year in transforming its cruise operations by promoting a series of key initiatives aimed at making them more sustainable, efficient, and aligned with its environmental and sustainability goals.
Among the main developments is the start of installation of the first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems at cruise terminals, specifically those of MSC and Royal Caribbean.
These systems will allow ships to connect to the power grid while docked, shutting down their auxiliary engines and significantly reducing emissions and noise in the port and its surrounding area.
This year, a total of 9 new ships will arrive at the Port of Barcelona, and 57% of the port calls will be by ships less than 10 years old. Twenty-two percent of the port calls will be by LNG-powered ships, and biofuel is also being supplied, while preparations are underway for the arrival of the first methanol-powered cruise ship.
At the same time, the Port of Barcelona is moving forward with the reorganization and modernization of its cruise ship infrastructure. The closure and demolition of Terminal C at the Adossat Pier—which will cease operations at the end of October—are scheduled for the end of the year, as is the cessation of operations at the Barcelona Sud terminal, located at the World Trade Center, which is also scheduled for the end of the year.
These initiatives will provide spaces better suited to the sector’s current needs and pave the way for more modern and sustainable infrastructure.
The closure of these terminals is part of the reorganization process agreed upon with the Barcelona City Council, which aims to reduce the number of terminals, improve operational efficiency, and promote a cruise model that has a more positive impact on the city, with a particular focus on homeport cruises.
In addition, the Port of Barcelona has planned complementary measures to optimize mobility related to this traffic and to renovate sections of the Adossat pier, which will incorporate OPS systems to ensure that, in the medium term, all cruise ships can operate using shore power. Accordingly, work is underway on a study to assess the mobility generated by cruise ships and the infrastructure needed to make it more efficient, such as widening the Porta
d’Europa bridge or creating an urban corridor between Plaza de las Drassanes and the Marina del Prat Vermell neighborhood and the Zona Franca.
With this set of initiatives, the Port of Barcelona is reinforcing its commitment to a more sustainable and innovative cruise ship industry that is compatible with its urban environment, establishing itself as a leader in the Mediterranean in the transition toward a more responsible port model.
The Port of Barcelona presented the new developments for the current season this week at Seatrade Cruise Global, the leading international cruise industry trade show, which takes place annually in Miami. The Port of Barcelona and its Cruise Port Community (ship agents, terminals, and suppliers, among others) are participating once again in this event, which closes tomorrow.
This year, the Port of Barcelona’s delegation to Seatrade consists of Carla Salvadó, deputy general manager of Sales and Marketing; José María Rovira, director of Operations Ocean; Mar Pérez, head of Cruises; and Gemma Gràcia, Cruise Manager.
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