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The Port of Kiel, one of the most important cruise ports in the Baltic Sea region, kicked off its 2023 summer cruise season on April 1st with the arrival of the AIDAluna. This year, the port expects 173 ship calls from no fewer than 19 different shipping companies. Kiel was already able to welcome its first cruise ships at the beginning of the year, including the HANSEATICnature, underscoring Kiel's growing appeal as a year-round destination.

Interestingly, Kiel is not just focusing on increasing call numbers. Kiel is also promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly port economy. This is achieved through the increased use of shore power. According to Dr. Dirk Claus, Managing Director of SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG, one of the goals for this year is to operate with as few emissions as possible during layovers. The provision of shore power for 100 of the expected calls is part of these efforts. It is an ambitious objective. This is supported by the expansion of two shore power facilities for cruise ships.

For the port – a pioneer in low-emission supply – one of Europe's largest shore power facilities is currently in operation. In addition to the facility at Ostseekai, inaugurated in 2021, a new facility at Ostuferhafen started in autumn 2023. Over 50% of ship calls were already supplied with shore power in 2023. This trend is expected to be reflected in full shore power supply at all berths by the target year 2030.

The cruise season in Kiel looks promising not only in terms of call numbers. It is also promising in terms of the maiden calls of seven cruise ships. These will celebrate their maiden voyage. These include, for example, the Serenade of the Seas and the Mein Schiff 7. A Christmas highlight will be the call of the Amadea on December 20th. With its continuous growth and environmental efforts, the Port of Kiel stands out. It is a significant centre of maritime tourism. Furthermore, it is an innovative player in environmental responsibility.

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