Cruise and wintering ships will be able to use system for power while berthed at port
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Port of Montreal in Canada is to install two shore power systems to enable cruise ships and wintering ships to connect to the local electrical grid for power while they are berthed at the port.
To be installed at a cost of CAD 11 million, the shore power systems enable ships to shut down their auxiliary diesel engines and connect to the electrical grid to continue running electric pumps, lighting, water and heating systems while berthed at the port.
Cruise ships will be able to connect to a system at the Alexandra Pier, while wintering ships will be able to use a four-connection system. This will help cruise ships to reduce greenhouse gas and other marine diesel emissions by 1,300 tonnes annually, while wintering ships will reduce their emissions by around 1,500 tonnes per year.
“I warmly thank the governments of Canada and Quebec for their generous contribution to this shore power project, which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Port of Montreal,” said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO at Montreal Port Authority. “For us, sustainable development is an approach that rises above the obligation to conform to various environmental laws and regulations. We are committed to always evaluate options that will improve our environmental footprint, and this project is a concrete and significant example of this approach.”
The Canadian government will provide CAD5 million towards the project, while the Quebec government and Montreal Port Authority will each provide CAD3 million.
“In addition to the environmental benefits, shore power is expected to contribute positively to tourism and create jobs,” said Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “The new shore power will allow the Port of Montreal to maintain and eventually grow the cruise business by allowing the port to stay competitive with other ports offering the service.”