By
Rebecca Gibson |
Shore power-equipped cruise ships can now plug into an electrical shore power system at the Port of Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Following extensive operational tests, cruise vessels, which typically dock at Halifax for around nine hours, can now use the system to connect to electrical shore power while berthed, rather than relying on their auxiliary generators and engines. This will eliminate carbon dioxide, mono nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide and particulate matter emissions from ships when in port.
The Port of Halifax anticipates more than 25 shore power connections during the 2015 cruise season.
“This is a very positive development for Halifax and for Nova Scotia for economic development and environmental sustainability,” said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport. “The cruise industry in Halifax is a major contributor to tourism in Nova Scotia. Through this investment, the government of Canada is committed to developing this industry in an environmentally sustainable manner."
Representing the second shore power installation for cruise ships in Canada, the system is part of a CAD$10 million Shore Power Technology for Ports Program, which was established by the Canadian government, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Port Authority (HPA). Initially announced last January, the project received CAD$2.5 million in funding from the Province of Nova Scotia and around CAD$5 million from Transport Canada. HPA also contributed CAD$2.5 million.
Halifax is one of the largest natural ice-free harbours in the world and has the deepest berths on the Eastern Seaboard of North America. The Port of Halifax generates around CAD$1.5 billion in annual economic impact and more than 11,000 port-related jobs. Annual cruise activity accounts for about 8% of all tourism traffic in Nova Scotia.