Hong Kong to Add Cruise Shore Power by 2030

Hong Kong is preparing to introduce shore power capabilities at its port by 2030, according to Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, in an interview with Cruise Industry News.

“We think it’s very important that the cruise lines can switch to electricity while they’re at berth in Hong Kong,” Chu said.

The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will be equipped with shore power connections, with feasibility studies already completed. The next phase involves seeking partners to help install the infrastructure.

“We have already done the feasibility studies, and the next steps are looking for partners to install that shore power equipment at the cruise terminal,” she explained.

Chu emphasized the port’s awareness of international regulations and the growing demand from cruise operators for sustainable solutions. "We understand the needs of the cruise lines, so we know that they are under obligations of the IMO to reduce carbon emissions,” she added.

“So, we must have this hardware to serve them while they’re at berth. This way, ships can switch to our onshore power supply,” Chu continued, also mentioning green bunkering options.

Hong Kong is also planning to offer alternative marine fuels, such as LNG and green methanol, to support decarbonization in the cruise industry.

“In terms of bunkering, they can have options in addition to conventional fuels, which they will need to phase out,” she added.

Chu noted that legislation is already in place for these new services, along with operational guidelines for shipowners. “For LNG bunkering, we already did trials with container vessels. We are now working with some cruise lines to see if we can do a trial for passenger vessels, maybe next year,” she explained.

“Because in terms of safety concerns, we have to do the trials with cargo vessels first,” Chu continued.

“We hope to have everything in place as fast as possible while also securing the supply of these green fuels,” she said, also acknowledging the financial impact on cruise operators.

“We know cost is a concern for the cruise lines, so we are trying to lower the costs in fulfilling all these IMO requirements,” Chu added.