Americas News
Canadian Port Mulls U-Turn on Shore Power
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) in British Columbia, Canada is considering the installation of shore power at its Ogden Point cruise ship terminal, Canadian media reports.
GVHA is reported to have studied the viability of shore power at the Ogden Point terminal in the past, but found the technology to be too expensive at the time.
As Ship & Bunker reported in June, 2014, GVHA said it had decided against pursuing shore power, adding that on-board exhaust gas cleaning systems could protect against pollution more effectively.
Since the previous study, Victoria's cruise industry is noted to have grown alongside efforts to have more vessels make Victoria their home port.
"There's new technology that is being made available and I think it is incumbent upon us to consider all options," said Ian Robertson, GVHA's CEO.
Robertson further noted that higher levels of government will need to provide funding in order to support the implementation of shore power at Ogden Point.
"It's encouraging in the sense that they are looking at it," said Luke Wilson, a member of the group Save James Bay, adding: "we'd be much more encouraged if an implementation date were set."
The GVHA is expected to provide more details about its shore power plans and other changes at Ogden Point at a community meeting on Wednesday.
Last July, the Government of Canada and Port Metro Vancouver announced funding for the installation of shore power facilities for container vessels at two Port Metro Vancouver container terminals.
