AIDA Cruises has announced that by 2013, the 2011-delivered "AIDAsol" will be the first vessel of its fleet to be supplied with electrical energy by an LNG (liquefied natural gas) hybrid barge from Becker Marine Systems while berthed in the port of Hamburg.

AIDA Cruises and Becker Marine Systems have jointly developed with other partners a pioneering project for an energy-saving and further emission-reducing power supply for cruise ships at berth in the port of Hamburg, the Rostock-based cruise company said.
"The AIDA fleet is prepared for the use of onshore power. With the LNG hybrid barge, we have found a more flexible solution, which shows how modern environmental technology can be used economically", said Michael Ungerer, president of AIDA Cruises.
Becker Marine Systems supplies the LNG barge hybrid technical solution, while AIDA Cruises provides the know-how relating to the special requirements of cruise ships. The Schramm Group, operator of the first German LNG transshipment port, will operate the barge.