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.
30. September 2014
AIDA Cruises: Michael Ungerer and Dr. Monika Griefahn receive 2014 B.A.U.M. Environmental Award
On Monday, September 29, 2014, AIDA President Michael Ungerer and Dr. Monika Griefahn, Chief Sustainability Officer for AIDA Cruises, received the renowned B.A.U.M. Environmental Award in the category “large companies.” The ceremony took place in Hamburg as part of the annual ... [more]
18. September 2014
AIDA Cruises: Dr. Gregor Brendel appointed new SVP Hotel Operations & Guest Experience
As of October 1, 2014, Dr. Gregor Brendel (46) will be reinforcing the AIDA Cruises leadership team as the new Senior Vice President Hotel Operations & Guest Experience. In his new position with the cruise line Dr. Brendel will be responsible for the entire hotel and service ... [more]
18. September 2014
Art, Cocktails and Night Cruises: New AIDA Excursions in New York
At the start of the cruise season in North America, AIDA is presenting new additions to its excursion program in the Big Apple. Guests on board AIDAluna, AIDAbella and AIDAvita can experience the new offerings as premieres beginning in September.
These exciting excursions are ... [more]