By
Alex Smith |
Carnival Corporation is expanding its shore power capabilities in Alaska, with construction progressing on a new electrification project in Whittier.
Developed in partnership with the State of Alaska and Chugach Electric Association, the project will enable vessels from Holland America Line and Princess Cruises to connect to the local electricity grid while in port, allowing engines to be shut down. Works include electrical system upgrades, installation of voltage step-down equipment and shore power connections, as well as infrastructure to support electric vehicle charging.
Construction began in 2023 with a combined investment of $12 million from project partners. Key equipment, including transformers and capacitor banks, has been delivered, with completion targeted for 2027.
“Shore power remains an essential part of our decarbonisation strategy as we pursue net zero greenhouse gas emissions from our ship operations by 2050,” said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president for Princess and Holland America’s Alaska operations. “Alaska's natural beauty is central to our guests' experience, and this infrastructure investment demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting the environments we visit. It also reaffirms a partnership that dates back more than two decades to when we pioneered the cruise industry's first shore power project with Juneau.”
Carnival Corporation first implemented shore power in 2001 through a partnership between Princess Cruises and the City and Borough of Juneau to electrify Franklin Dock. Today, 74 per cent of its fleet is equipped to use shore power where available, with several of its brands operating fleets that are fully compatible.
AIDA Cruises recently connected to shore power in Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Copenhagen in Denmark, marking the 13th and 14th European ports where the company’s vessels use the technology. Carnival Conquest became the first ship to connect to shore power at PortMiami in 2024, while Princess Cruises has marked 20 years of shore power operations in Seattle.