Transport Malta Signs Shore Power Agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Summary

Transport Malta has signed a Shore Power Purchase Agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, allowing its cruise ships to connect to Malta’s electricity grid while berthed. It is the fourth such agreement under Malta’s Shore-to-Ship Project, letting ships power lighting and air conditioning from shore instead of running engines in port, cutting emissions and improving local air quality.

Article

Valletta: Transport Malta has signed a Shore Power Purchase Agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), enabling the operator’s cruise ships to plug into Malta’s electricity grid while in port.

The agreement was signed on October 13, 2026, during the Decarbonising The Future Conference held in Malta from October 12 to 14.

What does the agreement cover?

Under Malta’s Shore-to-Ship Project, cruise ships can draw electricity from shore to run onboard services such as lighting and air conditioning, rather than operating their engines at berth. This reduces emissions and improves air quality for nearby communities.

It is the fourth agreement of its kind signed by Transport Malta, extending use of the country’s shore power infrastructure and deepening cooperation with cruise lines.

Who signed it?

The agreement was signed by Leonid McKay, Chief Executive of Transport Malta, and Cristian Cutugno, Director of Nautical Operations at NCLH. Minister for Sustainable Mobility Chris Bonett and Capt. Fritz Farrugia, Chief Officer of the Ports and Yachting Directorate and Harbour Master, attended.

What did officials say?

In his keynote address, Bonett said the agreement showed how maritime infrastructure investment could benefit both the cruise sector and local communities, turning Malta’s investment in onshore power into practical action. He said maritime development needed modern infrastructure that improves efficiency, competitiveness and the environment.

McKay said cooperation between authorities and operators was key to ensuring investment in cleaner technology delivers real results.

Cutugno described Malta’s onshore power supply system as “unique in the Mediterranean,” saying it was a natural choice for NCLH as it develops its future fleet.

Why is shore power gaining importance?

Under the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation and Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, large container and passenger ships calling at major EU ports will be required to use onshore power from 2030, and ports must provide the supply. Malta’s early investment positions it ahead of this deadline.

NCLH has also been pursuing other emissions measures in the Mediterranean, including taking co-processed B30 biofuel from Repsol in Barcelona.

Why does it matter?

Cruise ships have high power demand at berth, and ports are often close to residential areas, making shore power one of the most direct ways to cut local air pollution. Commercial agreements with operators are critical because shore power infrastructure only delivers benefits when ships are equipped and committed to connect.

For India, where cruise traffic is growing at Mumbai, Goa and Kochi, and JNPA has partnered with the IFC on a $70 million shore power project, Malta’s model of pairing infrastructure with operator purchase agreements offers a useful template.

FAQs

What agreement did Transport Malta sign?

A Shore Power Purchase Agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, allowing its ships to use shore electricity at berth.

How many such agreements has Transport Malta signed?

This is the fourth shore power agreement signed by Transport Malta.

What does shore power do?

It lets ships power onboard services from the grid instead of running engines in port, reducing emissions and improving air quality.

Who signed the agreement?

Transport Malta CEO Leonid McKay and NCLH Director of Nautical Operations Cristian Cutugno.

Why is shore power important in the EU?

EU rules will require large container and passenger ships to use onshore power at major ports from 2030.