To Cut Emissions, Vancouver Lets Cruise Ships Plug In

September 1, 2009

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To reduce pollution at Port Metro Vancouver, the city is allowing visiting cruise ships to plug into the city’s electrical grid.

By having ships stop their diesel engines and instead use onboard shore power equipment, Princess Cruise Lines and Holland America will use shore power in Vancouver during the 2009 Alaska tour season, which runs through September. At least five ships are partipating this year, reports Reuters.

The local grid is 90 percent run on hydro-power, further reducing the environmental impact of the grid-sharing.

Planning for the project began in 2005 and installing the shore power lines cost $9 million, reports Canadian Press. This year, Port Vancouver estimates it will host 264 cruise ship visits.

This is but one of many environmental initiatives that Vancouver has put in place in advance of the 2010 Olympics. For instance, the event plans to offset 300,000 tons of emissions at the games.

Under an agreement with the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the projects will reduce a minimum of 110,000 tons of direct carbon emissions into the atmosphere, and offset an additional estimated 190,000 tons of indirect carbon emissions from the Olympic Games caused by activities such as air travel. Indirect carbon emissions will be offset through collaboration with Olympic partners, sponsors and participants.

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