Inaugural Southern China venture: Aida Cruises launches new routes from Xiamen

Saturday, March 16, 2024

On March 15, 2024, Aida Cruises‘ Mediterranean cruise ship made its inaugural visit to Xiamen International Cruise Port from March 10 to 14, 2024. During this time, the shore power system was activated, connecting the ship to the local power grid. This facilitated the use of shore power supply while docked, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions and promoting green transportation through tangible measures.

Shore power technology enables ships at the dock to utilize land-based power, replacing the need for onboard diesel generators. This advancement not only significantly diminishes exhaust emissions but also contributes to enhancing local air quality while reducing noise and vibration. Prior to the official launch of MSC cruise ship operations in 2023, Aida Cruises conducted comprehensive upgrades, including the installation of a shore power system. This ensures the utilization of a more environmentally friendly power source during docking periods, aligning with their commitment to environmental conservation in the Chinese market.

Aida Cruises said: “As China’s international cruise brand, Aida Cruises actively fulfills its corporate citizenship responsibilities and is committed to contributing to the sustainable development of the Chinese cruise industry. In 2023, we released version 1.0 of the “Aida Blue Ocean” action plan , integrating the concept of “green transportation” into cruise operations from multiple dimensions such as energy conservation, emission reduction, and plastic restriction. We are very pleased to see that the Mediterranean Sea successfully achieved the first shore power connection in Xiamen, with a connection time of more than 73 hours, and Effectively reducing carbon emissions by 1,200 tons. In the future, we will actively cooperate with local port departments to promote the application of shore power technology for the Aida cruise fleet in various cruise ports in China, and effectively reduce the impact of cruise ships on the local environment.”

Currently, Aida Cruises’ inaugural domestically produced large-scale cruise ship, Aida Magic City, is actively collaborating with Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Port to fine-tune the integration and utilization of the shore power system. The aim is to swiftly enable the utilization of shore power while the cruise ship is docked at the terminal.

Dubbed the “Ship of Art,” the Mediterranean cruise liner boasts impressive dimensions, with a total length of 292 meters, a tonnage of 86,000 tons, and a capacity to accommodate 2,680 passengers in its 1,057 luxurious guest rooms and suites. On March 14, MSC embarked from Xiamen International Cruise Port, welcoming over 2,300 guests on a 4-day, 3-night voyage from Xiamen to Okinawa (Ishigaki Island) and back. This marks Aida Cruises’ inaugural foray into the southern Chinese market with newly deployed routes.

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