DP World, a global port operator and the authority responsible for operating the Dubai Cruise Terminal, the primary cruise hub of the Middle East, has announced plans to install solar panels on the cruise terminal buildings for the generation of electricity.

The project is part of the “Go Green” campaign launched by DP World, Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH), APM Terminals and PSA International and the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG who have come together to raise environmental awareness.

The five companies together operate the bulk of the world’s major ports and container and cruise terminals.

The solar panels will be installed on various other buildings operated by DP World in the United Arab Emirates, including its vast free zone in Jebel Ali, in addition to the cruise terminal at Mina Rashid near Dubai Creek.

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“[The project] is a major milestone in promoting the rational use of natural resources and creating innovative solutions that replace traditional energy sources,” said DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem.

“To secure a healthy sustainable society for future generations, it is necessary to take stock of our energy consumption today. Diversifying our energy mix with renewable resources such as solar power makes a lot of sense in our region where we can harness it all year round,” he added.

DP World operates three cruise terminal buildings at Mina Rashid, but Cruise Arabia & Africa understand that solar panels will initially be installed on Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, the newest facility at the cruise port and the largest indoor cruise terminal in the world.