To meet more stringent emmisions requirements and for future development, Norway’s Port of Flåm has been working towards offering locally produced hydro-power to cruise ships while berthed.
Flåm submitted an application for funds to Norwegian state investment facility Enova in April, 2020, which was recently granted. Enova agreed NOK27 mill of funding, while the actual cost of building an onshore power supply (OPS) system was estimated at NOK83 mill.
This estimate included an underwater cable directly from the hydro-power station in Aurland to Flåm. This connection will also allow future demands.
The application was prepared in collaboration with local stakeholders, the cruise industry and the local energy supplier.
“This was big and important news for us. This shows that we are ready for a changeover. Now we need to find a balance when it comes to the OPS facility and the opportunities it gives us. It now needs to be seen in context with the regulations for the World Heritage Fjords set by the Norwegian Maritime Authority and the Norwegian Parliaments decision to make the world heritage fjords emission free in 2026.
“Now it is important to find a future-oriented strategy that benefits public health and the environment in the world heritage fjords while safeguarding the foundation of creating value locally,”said Tor Mikkel Tokvam, Port of Flåm’s Port Director.
By establishing OPS, emissions from cruise ships will be reduced by 75% in a few years. At the same time, the project will contribute to a greater supply of electricity to Flåm, which will create an opportunity to electrify the entire destination across all sectors.
Enova is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment and contributes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to develop energy and climate technology and the strengthening of security of supply.
