Germany's Economic Affairs and Energy Ministry and coastal states met last week in Kiel.

Instead of burning fossil fuels to generate shipboard electric power, in future vessels they agreed to give attention to use renewable shore-based energy. The German government is now launching appropriate measures to promote shore-generated power.

Minister Altmaier stated: “We aim to make German port cities cleaner. With these measures, we are making a significant contribution towards cleaner air and a reduction of CO2 and noise in port cities along the North Sea and Baltic coasts. We are also giving ports and shipowners planning certainty for expanding facilities and refitting ships. As an exporting country, Germany depends on sea transport. More and more people are also discovering the sea aboard cruise ships. So we attach great importance to the commercial viability and competitiveness of our ports and shipping.”

Maritime Business World