Port of Marseille Fos is set to become one of the first ports in the Mediterranean capable of supplying shore power to three large cruise ships at the same time.

Starting this year, the port will offer a total capacity of 108 megawatts, generated from renewable energy sources. Each vessel can draw up to 16 MW, enough to fully shut down onboard engines while in port and significantly cut emissions.

This development places Marseille well ahead of European targets, which require widespread use of shore power by 2030. The port has been investing in electrification for years, beginning with ferry connections back in 2017.

The environmental impact is expected to be substantial. Studies indicate that electrification could reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by up to 80 percent, fine particles by 75 percent, and nitrogen oxides by 60 percent in the surrounding area.

The project, known as Zero Smoke Stopover, required more than two years of construction and an investment of nearly €200 million. It marks a major milestone in the push for cleaner, more sustainable cruise operations in Europe.