NORTH AMERICA: INTERVIEW The Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver is significantly expanding its shore power capabilities, as it responds to growing industry demand and global emissions reduction targets. Work adding new shore power connections is expected to be completed ahead of the 2027 Alaska season. “Due to recent growth in Vancouver’s cruise sector and industry shore power demand, we knew this was something we needed to move forward with,” says Chance McKee, senior trade development account representative at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “Everyone we’ve talked with so far, especially our customers and those within the industry, is excited to see this happen.” The port, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, received federal funding support for the expansion from the Government of Canada. “Transport Canada, terminal operator SSA Marine, shore power provider Watts Marine and local utility BC Hydro have all been instrumental in getting this project off the ground,” explains McKee. “We want to thank everyone we’ve worked with so far, not just on this project but on everything we do when it comes to protecting the environment. Our collaborative spirit is going to allow the Port of Vancouver to remain a premier homeport for the next 40 years and beyond.” Increasing the number of shore power connection stations at the cruise terminal from three to five will enable 90 more cruise ship connections per year and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an additional 3,300 tonnes annually. Shore power was first installed at Canada Place in 2009 and has since helped prevent over 50,000 tonnes of GHG emissions across cruise and container operations. “Our entire purpose is to enable Canadian trade and tourism while also protecting the environment,” says McKee. “Shore power is one of the most effective technologies for reducing the environmental impact of ships in port. People cruise to Alaska because the area is beautiful, so our purpose is to maintain that beauty and enhance it however we can. At the end of the day, that’s what’s going to contribute to the longevity of our cruise business.” Cleaner cruising in Canada Port of Vancouver is expanding its shore power capabilities to meet growing demand from cruise lines and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chance McKee shares the details with Laura Hyde The new shore power capabilities at Port of Vancouver’s Canada Place cruise terminal are expected to reduce an additional 3,300 tonnes of greenhouse emissions annually 179
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