CRUISE
PORT OF TALLINN’S SUSTAINABLE CRUISE MODEL The Port of Tallinn, which handles an average of 10 million passengers yearly, is focusing on sustainability at its two cruise harbours, writes Michele Witthaus As one of the biggest and best-known companies in Estonia, the Port of Tallinn is committed to ensuring that its activities contribute to the sustainable development and welfare of the Estonian economy. “In our business development plan, we place a heavy emphasis on following the UN Sustainable Development Goals, EU and Estonian climate targets, as well as the sustainability commitments of the Green Cruise Port network,” says Sirle Arro, head of marketing, Port of Tallinn and council member of Cruise Europe. The port's two cruise harbours, in Tallinn and Saaremaa, are no exception to this approach. “For all stakeholders in the cruise industry, one of our key challenges is the need for a sustainable model which combines the positive economic effects of the industry and its projected future growth, with careful attention to environmental concerns,” explains Ms Arro.
Photo: Port of Tallinn
“This is especially important in the Baltic Sea given the fact that it is considered to be one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. Another vital common challenge is balancing the interests of tourists with the normal daily lives of local populations by considering tourism's impact on the daily lives of local people.” The Port of Tallinn is a pioneer among EU ports in providing incentives for ships to reduce emissions and sort waste. Since 2019, ships participating in the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) to work towards reducing air emissions may apply for as much as 8% discount on tonnage fees. Additionally, ships which have
8 Ingrid Berezin, head of marketing, Port of Tallinn and council member of Cruise Europe
22 | WINTER 2020/21
Photo: Port of Tallinn
The Port of Tallinn is a pioneer among EU ports in providing incentives for ships to reduce emissions and sort waste
invested in scrubbers may discharge waste generated by scrubbers without paying additional fees. Waste reception facilities are another key part of the Port's strategy. By 2014, Port of Tallinn had already introduced differentiated port fees for cruise vessels sorting their waste. Reduced waste fees for cruise ships apply to ships collecting garbage separately by type when at least one type of recyclable garbage (excluding mixed domestic waste) listed in MARPOL Annex V (garbage) is discharged.
8 Cruise ships at berth in the Port of Tallinn
STATE-OF-THE-ART Just a short walk from the port is Tallinn's unique Hanseatic old town, which has drawn increasing interest from cruise operators and their passengers over the years. A new cruise terminal is set to capitalise on this trend. “To offer our guests as well as operators the best and safe available reception, a new, multifunctional and environmentally friendly cruise terminal will be opened in summer 2021,” says Ingrid Berezin, cruise manager, Port of Tallinn. “This new terminal aims to serve as a gateway to Tallinn and open the seafront area to our guests as well as local residents. Both the interior and exterior design will use environmentally friendly solutions and materials - the building is heated by sea power and energy will also be drawn from solar panels. In addition, LED lighting, a temperature-controlled ventilation system and a natural smoke and heat extraction system will be installed, and recycled materials used in the interior (with carpets made from old fishing nets).” The terminal will use energy efficient, ecological and sustainable solutions, suited to the Nordic climate, and will
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