ecological and energy transition, cruise, maritime : AIDAnova: first shore power connection in Le Havre for this next-generation cruise ship

On 10 December 2025, AIDAnova made another call to Le Havre - but this time it marked a major first: thanks to the electrification of the Pierre Callet berth at the cruise terminal, the vessel was connected to onshore power supply throughout its stay. HAROPA PORT is thus continuing to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of maritime operations.

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navire AIDAnova branché à quai sur le terminal croisière du Havre - Enlarge image, modal window
©HAROPA PORT / Nautilus

HAROPA PORT accelerates its transition towards “zero-emission at berth” calls

After several years of work, HAROPA PORT has commissioned the shore power system at Pointe de Floride as part of the RENAQ project. The first connection was carried out on 30 October 2025 with the MSC Poesia, officially opening a new era for cruise ship calls in Le Havre. 

Connected to shore power throughout its call, AIDAnova was able to switch off its onboard generators, significantly reducing:

  • atmospheric emissions,
  • engine noise pollution. 

AIDAnova: a next-generation cruise ship

The AIDA fleet connects to shore power wherever it is available and with the addition of Le Havre, AIDA now regularly connects at over 15 ports worldwide. AIDAnova is a great example of innovation within AIDA’s fleet, measuring 337 metres in length, 42 metres in width and accommodating up to 6,600 passengers when fully booked. 

At its launch in 2018, it was the world’s first cruise ship designed to operate fully on LNG - a new generation of ‘Excellence’ class ships built by Carnival Corporation to be more efficient and to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be more energy efficient.

AIDAnova’s call in Le Havre preceded a stop at Southampton, followed by a return to its homeport in Hamburg, where it then embarks on a 7-night cruise to Norway. AIDA Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation & plc which comprises 8 world class cruise lines, including Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Seabourn. AIDA operations are supported in Le Havre by the shipping agent Humann & Taconet.

RENAQ : an energy transition built with cruise lines

The RENAQ project was developed in close collaboration with several volunteer cruise companies - including Viking Ocean Cruises, MSC Cruises and Carnival Maritime — which took part in the technical trials and feasibility studies.

The French State has contributed nearly €19.5 million to the project through various programmes (France Relance, CPIER 2023–2027, and the Research Fund for Coal and Steel), out of the €32 million invested by HAROPA PORT. This support underscores the strategic importance of decarbonising passenger maritime transport. 

A historic milestone for cruise operations in Le Havre

With this first shore power connection of AIDAnova, HAROPA PORT is advancing a clear strategy: enabling an increasing number of cruise ships to connect to shore power and positioning Le Havre as a leading European port in reducing emissions from vessels at berth.

A major step forward, welcomed by local residents, passengers, cruise lines and all stakeholders in the region.