Americas News
Canada Provides Further Funding For Shore Power Projects
The Government of Canada Friday announced that, under its Shore Power Technology for Ports Program, it will be providing $5 million in in funding towards an $11 million project for the installation of shore power at the Port of Montreal.
The Government of Quebec will be providing $3 million to the project, and the Montreal Port Authority will be providing the remaining $3 million.
"Shore power is a highly effective way to reduce marine diesel air emissions. Shore power improves local air quality by enabling ships to shut down their engines and connect to the electrical grid in order to provide necessary power while docked," said the Government of Canada in a statement.
Two types of systems are said to be planned for installation at the Port of Montreal under the project, one is a shore power connection at the Alexandra Pier for cruise ships, while the other is a four connection shore power system intended for wintering ships.
The project is expected to reduce total greenhouse gas emission (GHG) by up to 2,800 tonnes annually, 1,300 tonnes of which are from cruise ship connections, and 1,500 tonnes of which are from wintering ships.
"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."
Robert Poëti, Quebec Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, commenting on the funding announcement, said "apart from making maritime transportation more effective, this investment also supports the implementation of measures that will benefit the environment.
We are also contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the introduction of new transportation technologies."
Two weeks ago, 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.
