Ports & destinations

Port Everglades completes shore power master plan for cruise terminals

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 07 February 2023 07 February 2023

Port Everglades recently completed a study to add shore power to the Port's eight cruise terminals and has taken delivery of the final report. The study was performed by Moffatt & Nichol, a global infrastructure advisory firm working in cooperation with Florida Power & Light (FPL), Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, and the Royal Caribbean Group. This comprehensive analysis assessed the capacity of the existing electrical grid and identified the necessary infrastructure upgrades required to deliver shore power to the diverse cruise ships calling Port Everglades. The recommended plan is capable of delivering up to 16 megawatts of electricity simultaneously to each of the eight terminals in accordance with IEC/IEEE 80005 standards.

"Shore power, it's a 'shocking' project because we have been exploring the possibilities of electrification since 2009 when we built Terminal 18 to homeport the largest cruise ships in the world," said CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels. "This technology speaks to our core values of strength, resiliency and sustainability. We are ready to harness this alternative for the good of our partners and our community."

To align with Broward County climate change goals, Port Everglades is advancing initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including installation of shore power infrastructure. Engine exhaust gases from cruise ships running on-board power plants while docked are contributors to air emissions. Shore power infrastructure enables ships to turn off their engines and connect to the local electric power grid. Full implementation of this shore power and electrification initiative is projected to eliminate 11,366 metric tons of CO2 while reducing NOx and SO2 emissions by 75% and 51%, respectively. This is equivalent to taking 2,470 cars off the road annually. The electricity will be generated by FPL using a variety of energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, and wind.

The estimated cost for the project, including the estimated cost of FPL supply and distribution system upgrades, is approximately $20 million per cruise terminal, for a total cost of $160 million. The project is expected to be financed through federal and state grant funds, contributions from FPL, the participating cruise lines, and the County. Implementation will occur in phases. The earliest construction could occur is mid-2024 with all phases completed by the end of 2027.

Tenerife to host for the first time the Cruise Excellence Awards Gala

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 31 January 2023 31 January 2023

The Excellence Cruise Awards, a benchmark in the international cruise industry, comes to Tenerife on 6 March with a gala ceremony, which will take place in the auditorium Adán Martín inTenerife.

It will be the sixteenth awards ceremony organised by Cruises News Media Group, which previously took place in cities such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Cartagena, A Coruña and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

In November and December 2022, the five ports managed by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife received a similar number of cruise passengers as in the same period of 2019, before the pandemic. In addition, for the first four months of 2023, the arrival of 290 cruise calls is forecast.

The figure rises to 573 calls if we consider the forecast for the whole of 2023, with 313 calls in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 144 in Santa Cruz de la Palma, 88 in San Sebastián de La Gomera, 24 in La Estaca and 4 in Los Cristianos.

On January 1, 2020, the new restrictions on atmospheric emissions set by the International Maritime Organisation came into force, which is the reason why most cruise ships opted to install gas scrubbing systems that reduce sulphur and particle emissions by 97%. Those ships that have not been able to install these innovative systems must use low sulphur fuel oil. In recent years, cruise ships powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) have also begun to make their debut, which not only eliminates sulphur and particulate emissions, but also reduces CO2 emissions by 30%. AIDAnova, Iona, Arvia and Silver Nova are some of these cruise ships that will visit the ports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de la Palma.

The winners of the Cruise Excellence Awards are chosen by cruise passengers and travel agents through online voting, and the rewards include the best ships, the best gastronomy, the best itinerary, or even the best entertainment on board, with a total of 16 categories.

The ceremony will bring together the main cruise line executives, shipping agents, cruise tour operators, ports and destinations, travel agents, press, collaborators, professionals from Tenerife and Canary Islands as well as other industry suppliers, who will enjoy a unique gala followed by a dinner.

This edition has been promoted and sponsored by the Port Authority of Tenerife in collaboration with other public and private organisations such as Ports of Spain. The possibility of welcoming more sponsors is still open.

Port Charlottetown expecting record cruise season in 2023

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 02 February 2023 02 February 2023

Port Charlottetown is set to welcome 91 ships, over 150,000 passengers and over 63,000 crew to Prince Edward Island’s capital city in 2023. This represents the largest number of passenger arrivals in the port’s history and an impressive forty percent increase over last year’s scheduled arrivals.

“We are delighted to release the 2023 cruise schedule and look forward to working alongside our incredible partners in tourism as we prepare for a banner season,” said Mike Cochrane, Chief Executive Officer of the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. “The recent addition of a second berth and our ongoing work to enhance our facilities and the waterfront reinforces Port Charlottetown as a premier cruise destination.”

As in previous years, the majority of the 91 ships set to arrive in Port Charlottetown will do so during September and October. Charlottetown’s walkable downtown and proximity to central PEI make it easy for cruise passengers to explore everything the Island has to offer. From outstanding dining to local shopping, immersive cultural experiences, on-water adventures, the Anne of Green Gables heritage site, and more, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy.

“Cruise passengers consistently rank Port Charlottetown amongst the top ports of call in Canada and for good reason,” said Kelly Murphy, Director of Marketing & Cruise Development for the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. “We really want to showcase the front-row experience to unforgettable memories that Port Charlottetown affords. Our incredible waterfront and historic downtown are mere steps away as passengers disembark, making it easy to explore our vibrant city. Paired with high-quality excursions beyond the city passengers can get a true taste of the Island in one immersive day.”

One of the largest ships set to arrive this season is the MSC Meraviglia, which has a passenger count of 4,500 and a complement of 1,500 crew and will make three calls to the port in 2023. By size, the largest ship to call on Port Charlottetown in 2023 will be the Norwegian Joy, which is 333 metres in length and will carry 3,804 passengers and 1821 crew. This year’s cruise schedule also includes 15 double-ship days and 6 triple-ship days.

“The electrifying energy and economic benefits cruise ships bring to our province is unmatched,” said Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Bloyce Thompson. “The Island’s cruise industry had a $42.2M economic impact in 2019. With passenger numbers in 2023 surpassing 2019, it is anticipated that the industry will continue to contribute significantly to the Island’s economy.”

Port Charlottetown and its tourism partners are capitalizing on the Island’s growing reputation as a premier cruise destination, with several initiatives in the works to enhance the visitor experience and showcase the very best of PEI. One such project is the development of digital kiosks and a digital walking map of Charlottetown, which is being developed by Port Charlottetown and Discover Charlottetown.

“One thing that really works in our favour here on PEI is the collaborative spirit that our tourism partners and operators embrace, paired with an innovative approach to the development of new products and experiences,” said Murphy. “We all have this strong belief that a rising tide lifts all ships and that’s one of the keys to our ongoing growth as a premier cruise destination.”

In addition to a record-breaking season, eight vessels will make their inaugural calls to Port Charlottetown. The 2023 season will wrap up with a call from Insignia on November 4, 2023.

MedCruise is an active partner in the EU BlueMissionMed Project

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 28 January 2023 28 January 2023

The BlueMissionMed Project's kick start meeting, hosted by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) was launched in Venice on 26th of January 2023.

As a partner of BlueMissionMed, MedCruise was represented by its President, Figen Ayan and Secretary General, Nicky Guerrero.

During the event Figen Ayan delivered a partner’s pitch presentation on behalf of the Association. The presentation not only described the key role of MedCruise in this initiative but also the many years that the Association has been committed to sustainability and its actions in this respect. From now on, MedCruise has a direct dialogue with the EU to have a say in the 2025 and 2030 European targets on creating a more sustainable planet.

The event provided the perfect opportunity for the President of MedCruise, on behalf of the Association, its Board of Directors and Members to meet the key team driving this project and the other partners involved. The information on the Association’s activities, missions and goals was well received by the EU representatives and the other partners of BlueMissionMed project.

The EU Commission joined this inspiring project for maximising synergies within the targets of the mission “Restore our Oceans and Waters” by 2030. Many leading companies and NGOs will be acting as partners, as is MedCruise, to combine our efforts to create more sustainable ports in the Mediterranean.

As the leading association of cruise ports, representing over 150 ports from 22 countries, Medcruise will have a pivotal role from a destination perspective and will be a voice for these extremely important dialogues and partnerships on European Union and international levels.

About BlueMissionMed

The BLUEMED Initiative aims to advance a shared vision for a more healthy, productive, resilient, better known and valued Mediterranean Sea, promoting the citizens’ social well-being and prosperity, now and for future generations, and boosting economic growth and jobs.

Among the seas surrounding Europe, the Mediterranean has no match when it comes to biodiversity and the links between human activities and the environment. It is changing fast in response to both natural and anthropogenic pressures. Climate change, growing maritime traffic and pollution, overexploitation of fish stocks and invasions of alien species are among the stressors placing the region at risk. At the same time, the Mediterranean’s unique features provide major local opportunities for blue growth and jobs, ranging from fisheries to tourism.

The region’s geopolitical complexity may represent a constraint on the development of blue economic growth: joint efforts are required to address common challenges. A global perspective, transnational and international cooperation, are essential to realize safe, secure and sustainable development for all by taking into account national priorities.