Shore Power Is Expanding Its Footprint
One of the simplest ways cruise lines can cut down on emissions is to plug into shoreside power, allowing vessels to power down their fuel-hungry diesel engines that are needed for both marine (propulsion) and hotel (lights, air conditioning) operations.
Ports like Vancouver, Canada, have been equipped with shore power hookups for more than a decade, while others — like busy Florida turnaround mainstay Port Everglades — are just now getting into the shore power game.
It’s a similar story with the lines — CLIA notes that 174 vessels are equipped with shoreside power capabilities.
“Many cruise ships are also ready to utilize shore power, which limits emissions in the communities we visit,” said Pierfrancesco Vago “We look forward to utilizing shoreside power as more cruise ports develop their infrastructure.”
“We’re ready to plug in,” he added. “The cruise industry is ready to plug in.”
Trouble is, not every port has shoreside power — and finding out which ones do is not something the average consumer has access to, making this a technology that is powerful on a real-world level but difficult to assess from a customer standpoint.
The Scandinavian countries, led by Norway, are leading the way, with at least seven ports along the Norwegian coastline being fitted with shore power over the next few years.
“The cruise lines are moving faster than the shoreside,” Cruise Copenhagen’s Claus Bodker said.
Further complicating matters: The investment from ports isn’t cheap or easy, and destinations that are unable to support shoreside power could suffer.
