Main content
World Ports Conference Hamburg: AIDA President Michael Ungerer takes a stand for the expansion of port infrastructure
Rostock, 04. June 2015
On occasion of this year's World Ports Conference in Hamburg Michael Ungerer, President of AIDA Cruises and Chairman of Cruise Association CLIA, spoke to representatives of the main port cities in the world on June 4th, 2015.
Ungerer talked about the development of the cruise industry in the German market and economic impacts of this increasingly important industry. He focused particularly on the port of Hamburg, which has become one of the leading cruise destinations in Northern Europe. He also presented the opportunities and challenges associated with the growth of the cruise industry.
"The demand for cruises continues. Between 2014 and 2017 the capacity of German cruise lines will grow by 42.9 %. By 2016 we want to reach the 2 million mark in Germany and there may also be a further million guests on top in the upcoming 3 to 4 years," said Ungerer. However, this can only be achieved, if all responsible parties start to think about the necessary requirements today. "The existing infrastructures of the Year 2015 will not be sufficient for this," Ungerer underlines.
Another key issue in the cooperation between cruise companies and ports is the continuous improvement of environmental performance.
"Sustainable management and the consistent protection of the environment are the guarantee for being able to successfully offer cruises in the future," said Ungerer.
Overall, AIDA Cruises will invest around 100 million euros in environmental and climate protection until 2016 and thus bring new technologies like a comprehensive exhaust gas treatment system, onshore power supply and LNG operation on the road. With this pilot project for the energy supply of cruise ships using LNG while being berthed in ports, which is thus far unique worldwide, AIDA Cruises and Becker Marine Systems have opened a new chapter for environmental protection in the port of Hamburg on May 30, 2015.
03. June 2016
Opening of Landside Power Plant Altona: AIDAsol connected to power supply in Altona
Today’s arrival of the AIDAsol marked the official opening of the landside power plant in Altona. In addition to Olaf Scholz, Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Jens Meier, Chairman of the Management Board HPA, Dr. Monika Griefahn, Director for Environment and ... [more]
08. May 2016
AIDAprima successfully christened
1.6 million visitors of the 827th HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY experienced one of the most spectacular christening events in cruise history. Several millions of people watched the festivities at the harbor, on television, online, and on Facebook when the young actress Emma Schweiger ... [more]
08. May 2016
Successful AIDAprima christening
The big moment finally came in the evening of May 7, 2016, at 10:15 pm: AIDAprima was christened by the young actress Emma Schweiger. An impressive music and light show followed by brilliant fireworks turned the night sky over the Port of Hamburg’s festival promenade into a ... [more]