Cruise ships worldwide are increasingly turning to onshore power supply (OPS), also known as shore power, as part of efforts to cut emissions and meet international sustainability targets.
OPS allows ships to switch off their engines while in port and draw electricity from the grid, significantly reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2025 Environmental Technologies and Practices Report shows rapid global growth in the number of OPS-equipped vessels, while highlighting the relatively slow pace of infrastructure development in key regions, including Australia.
OPS technology enables cruise ships to shut down auxiliary engines that would normally provide power while docked. Using OPS can reduce emissions by up to 98 per cent, depending on the source of the electricity.
The number of OPS-ready ships has almost tripled since 2018, rising from 55 ships to 166 in 2025, or 58 per cent of the global fleet.
By 2036, that figure is forecast to reach 273 ships. However, port infrastructure is not keeping up.
At present, just 41 ports worldwide have at least one OPS-equipped berth, with Europe leading expansion and modest growth in North America and the UK.
Australia Playing Catch-Up
Australia currently has no operational shore power for cruise ships.
The first installation is under way at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal, due to open in late 2026, making it the first such facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
The project will initially cover Berth 5 and is expected to cut around 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually from visiting ships.
No other Australian cruise ports — including Brisbane, Melbourne or Fremantle — have announced OPS projects.
By contrast, Europe will require major ports to provide shore power to cruise ships by 2030 under its Fit for 55 climate package.
While cruise lines continue to invest in OPS-ready ships, Australia’s progress remains limited to a single port.
The White Bay project will be a significant step, but until more ports follow suit, cruise ships calling at Australian destinations will continue to rely on engine power while docked.
Featured Image: Credit CLIA – Europe
