The Port of Flåm have received funding to build onshore power supply for cruise ships.

To meet more stringent requirements regarding emissions from the cruise industry and future development, the Port of Flåm has been working with offering locally produced hydropower to cruise ships while alongside in Flåm. The port therefore submitted an application to ENOVA in April 2020, and this has now been granted. The support amount from ENOVA is 27 million. The actual cost of building OPS is estimated to 83 million. This amount also includes an underwater cable directly from the hydro power station in Aurland to Flåm. This cable will accomodate future demands and open for development and innovation.

The application to ENOVA was prepared in collaboration with local stakeholders, the cruise industry, and the local energy supplier. The fact that the application is now granted shows that the port, the cruise industry, and the destination is playing an important role in the development towards more sustainable tourism in the world heritage area.

“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”.
Tor Mikkel Tokvam – Port Director, Port of Flåm

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 greater supply of electricity to Flåm. This will create an opportunity to electrify the entire destination across sectors.

Jul 02 2020