The Port of Barcelona is taking a step forward this year in the transformation of cruise activity by promoting a set of key actions aimed at making it more sustainable, efficient and aligned with its environmental and sustainability objectives.
Among the main new developments is the start of the installation of the first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems in cruise terminals, specifically those of MSC and Royal Caribbean.
These systems will allow ships to plug into the electrical grid while docked, shutting down auxiliary engines and significantly reducing emissions and noise in the port and its surroundings.
This year, a total of nine new ships will arrive at the Port of Barcelona, and 57% of the calls will be from ships less than 10 years old. 22% of the calls will be from ships powered by LNG, and biofuel is also being supplied, while work continues on the arrival of the first methanol-powered cruise ship.
Meanwhile, the Port of Barcelona is moving forward with the reorganization and modernization of its cruise infrastructure. The closure and demolition of Terminal C at the Adossat Wharf is scheduled for the end of the year, with operations ceasing at the end of October. The Barcelona South Terminal, located in the World Trade Center, is also slated to close by the end of the year.
These actions will allow for spaces better suited to the current requirements of the sector and will open the door to more modern and sustainable infrastructure.
The closure of these terminals is part of the reorganization process agreed with the Barcelona City Council, which aims to reduce the number of terminals, improve operational efficiency and favor a cruise model with a more positive impact on the city, especially boosting homeport cruises.
Furthermore, the Port of Barcelona has planned complementary actions to optimize mobility associated with this traffic and the rehabilitation of sections of the Adossat Wharf, which will incorporate OPS systems to ensure that, in the medium term, all cruise ships can operate with shore power. Thus, work is underway on a study to assess the traffic generated by cruise ships and the necessary infrastructure to make it flow more smoothly, such as the widening of the Porta
d'Europa bridge and the creation of an urban corridor between Plaça de les Drassanes and the Marina del Prat Vermell neighborhood and the Zona Franca industrial park.
With this set of initiatives, the Port of Barcelona reinforces its commitment to a more sustainable, innovative cruise activity that is compatible with its urban environment, consolidating itself as a benchmark in the Mediterranean in the transition towards a more responsible port model.
The Port of Barcelona presented its new offerings for the current season this week at Seatrade Cruise Global, the leading international cruise industry trade show, held annually in Miami. The Port of Barcelona and its Cruise Port Community (including shipping agents, terminals, and ship suppliers) are participating once again in this event, which concludes tomorrow.
The Port of Barcelona delegation to Seatrade this year includes Carla Salvadó, Deputy General Manager of Commercial and Marketing; José María Rovira, Director of Maritime Operations; Mar Pérez, Head of Cruises; and Gemma Gràcia, Cruise Manager.
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