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.
04. May 2015
AIDAdiva: New features following stay at Blohm & Voss shipyard
After its scheduled visit to the shipyard from April 21 to May 4, 2015 at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, AIDAdiva now offers even more attractive amenities on board.Alongside routine classification and maintenance work, the AIDAdiva is now already the fourth ship in ... [more]
10. April 2015
AIDAprima – New flagship receives its radiant smile
At the Mitsubishi shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan, the new flagship of AIDA Cruises is now receiving its beaming smile. At the end of March, preparatory work began on the 300 m long white hull of AIDAprima to apply the painting to the bow that is typical for AIDA: kissing lips, ... [more]
20. March 2015
AIDA with new catalog and exciting routes: Cruises can be booked until April 2017
On March 20, 2015, the new AIDA catalog with the title “Dreaming of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world” will be released with over 130 routes including all-new destinations and wonderful route combinations. Each cruise is presented on one page with a clear ... [more]