Cruise Ports going Green

What is shore side power and how does it work?

When a ship connects to shore side power, it does not use its diesel engines to power the ship, but rather connects to the city’s electrical grid to run its on board systems.

After a ship docks, it’s hooked up to the grid by what is essentially a large power plug; this takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Once connected, the ship’s engines are then shut down until roughly a half-hour prior to departure, when the engines are restarted to prepare for departure. While the ship is plugged in, it releases hardly any fuel emissions.

Whilst it may not be the solution to the increasing pollution problem world wide this type of power may be at least a start. Various Cruise Ports are turning to this  “plug-in” power instead of leaving smelly engines running.

The Port of Los Angeles was the first to try this followed by Brooklyn on the East Coast. The Port of San Fransisco is working with the Public Utilities Commission to put this into operation.  Across in Canada Quebec City and Montreal are next in line with Vancouver and Halifax already using this system . Come on UK get on board so to speak.