An update from GVHA CEO Ian Robertson
As we continue to press forward on our short and long-plans for the Victoria Cruise Terminal, much of the focus has been on shore power as an option for reducing the impact of greenhouse gases from cruise ships calls while in port.
Synergy Enterprises identified in their emissions inventory for Ogden Point that much has been done to reduce criteria air contaminants over the past eight years.
The inventory showed that since 2010:
- Criteria air contaminants have decreased by 41%
- SOx has been reduced by 95%
- Particulate matter has been reduced by 79%
- Cruise ship passenger counts have increased 45% while GHG emissions have only increased 19.1% due to increasingly stringent emission standards
Our leadership team is working on the development of the business case for shore power. We will be contracting a firm that has relevant and extensive experience in the field to undertake this work. We look forward to working with them and seeing their findings.
Over the past few weeks, our team has met with representatives from BC Hydro. Their team provided us with information on what needs to be considered as we develop our business case. We are assured that, yes, there is enough power on Vancouver Island; but, the infrastructure in the neighbourhood requires further upgrades. These upgrades would be for shore power and the needs of a vibrant and growing neighbourhood and downtown core.
I have also heard from many partners in the community and working harbour where the exploration of clean power requirements and collaboration remain the topic of the day. Our shift to clean energy and reduction of our climate impact is being championed by the City of Victoria through their Climate Leadership Plan. It is now up to all of us as partners in the regional economy to work together and find solutions.
I’d like to take the opportunity to reinforce to everyone that, for us as a not-for-profit organization, the process of building a business case for shore power will be a marathon, not a sprint. We will continue to focus on collaboration, communication, and engagement as we move forward.
As a reminder, we will present to Council as part of a working session on the cruise industry in Victoria, bringing partners from CLIA, Tymac, and Synergy Enterprises to engage on technical questions and the identification of opportunities. This is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5.
Keep in touch with us. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly.