Funding for Cold Ironing Sought at Charleston

The funding would provide cold ironing facilities in Charleston

Local politicians in the U.S. port city of Charleston, South Carolina are seeking funding for a shoreside power system at the port's cruise terminal, local news channel ABC News 4 reports.

"Bringing shoreside power to our cruise terminal would be a game changer for both Charleston and the entire state," said state Rep. Leon Stavrinakis.

"With this new technology, Charleston will be a national leader in both economic growth and environmental innovation.

"Shoreside power will ultimately bring more tourism dollars to Charleston while cleaning up our air at the same time.

The proposed budget item would provide $5 million for the project, which would make the Charleston cruise terminal the only site in South Carolina to provide cold ironing facilities.

The installation of the equipment could help resolve tensions in a city where some have complained about fumes from idling vessels, local paper Post and Courier reports.

"It definitely should take away one concern that is expressed, and what we want to do is find a solution," said state Rep. Jim Merrill.

"We see the ports authority's position of requiring shore power on every ship puts them at an economical disadvantage, and it doesn't work on all ships, but for those that have it, this gives them the option."

The State Ports Authority (SPA), which had previously considered shore power but concluded that it would be too expensive, issued a statement applauding Stavrinakis and Merrill, with some reservations.

"While we understand that shoreside power has been the focus of conversations to date, the industry is also pursuing other more modern technologies that provide equal or greater benefits," the SPA said.

"We anticipate utilizing the industry's most modern and efficient technologies at the new passenger terminal at Union Pier and applying these proposed funds, if appropriated, to implement these practices."

Elsewhere in the U.S., a California law that went into effect at the start of the year mandates cold ironing at that state's ports.