Clean energy, clean air in store for Victoria cruise ships

April 5, 2023, VICTORIA – The Province is providing $9 million to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to plan and install infrastructure at Ogden Point, allowing cruise ships to access clean hydroelectricity at the port, turn their engines off and help protect the environment.

“People want solutions to environmental concerns while also growing our economy,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We are turning off large cruise ship engines by connecting vessels to clean shore power electricity at Ogden Point. This will lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution and create well-paying jobs that support sustainable tourism.”

The project will supply electricity to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s deep water terminal at Ogden Point in Victoria B.C. Shore power will be installed at two berths, allowing multiple ships to draw electricity at the port, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants in the region.

“Today’s funding announcement by the Province of British Columbia is key to launching the next phase of this important initiative by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA),” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. “Shore power is one of several initiatives supporting a sustainable working port cherished by the Lekwungen People, residents and visitors alike. We look forward to collaborating with our partners in planning and implementing this project, including Songhees and Esquimalt Nations (Lekwungen People), the cruise lines, BC Hydro and the City of Victoria.”

The cruise industry is a significant contributor to B.C.’s tourism sector and the local economies of port communities. In 2023, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority estimates 320 cruise ships and approximately 850,000 passengers will dock at Ogden Point. When this project is complete, cruise ships visiting Victoria will connect to the electric shore power system, providing them with clean, renewable energy.

This funding will help the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority move ahead with this project and get started on work with BC Hydro. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority will continue to work with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, BC Hydro, the cruise lines and the City of Victoria to develop a schematic design and deliver the installation of shore power infrastructure to Ogden Point.

Transportation is the provinces largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 40% of B.C.’s annual total. This funding will help deliver the goals in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions by 27-32% by 2030, helping slow climate change, improve air quality and allow the region to continue benefitting from the cruise ship industry.

Quotes:

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

“As part of our CleanBC commitments, our government supports projects to reduce emissions that directly contribute to climate change. Providing ships with a clean power source benefits the health and well-being of the local community, benefits global efforts to combat climate change and encourages the industry to become more environmentally sustainable.”

Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport –

“Cruise ship season is fast approaching here in BC! This part of our tourism industry contributes more than $143 million annually and supports over 800 jobs in Greater Victoria.” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The shore power project at Ogden Point is an exciting development that aligns with our Strategic Framework for Tourism by supporting responsible travel and building a cleaner tourism industry for everyone.”

Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation –

 “Our province is a leader in the global journey away from fossil fuels and toward powering more of our homes, workplaces, and industries with clean electricity. Our investment in shore power will dramatically reduce emissions for cleaner air that will benefit British Columbians and enhance Victoria’s Ogden Point as a world-class destination for cruise ships and their passengers.

MLA Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill

“James Bay is home to beautiful Beacon Hill Park and breath-taking coastline along Dallas Road. Implementing electric shore power for cruise ships is a crucial step towards protecting the natural beauty of the neighbourhood. It reduces air and noise pollution, ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors alike, while also demonstrating a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.”

Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association –

“This project in Victoria aligns with our objective of achieving net zero carbon cruising by 2050. Shore power is one of the pathways we are pursuing towards that goal, along with sustainable fuels and further technological advancements. In fact, 98% of global cruise capacity currently on the order book through 2028 is either committed to be fitted with shore-side electricity systems or will be configured to add shore-side power in the future. We look forward to working closely with the GVHA, Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada on the design, financing and timing details for shore power in Victoria.”

Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce –

“Innovation led by business is key to addressing the biggest challenges facing our community and our planet “Adding shore power to Ogden Point benefits people living nearby. It also shows how the cruise ship industry is adapting to public demand and embracing new ways of doing business. The Chamber has a long history of working closely with all levels of government and the cruise industry. We are grateful for the work of Minister Fleming to help champion this important project for our region.”

Quick Facts:

  • The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is a not-for-profit organization committed to the sustainable growth of Victoria’s working harbour. The organization owns and operates deep water, marina, and upland holdings throughout Victoria’s harbour. This includes the Victoria Cruise Terminal.
  • GVHA’s port management at The Breakwater District at Ogden Point contributes more than $143 million directly to the regional economy and is responsible for 800 direct and indirect jobs in Greater Victoria.

Learn More:

Media contact:           Media Relations

Government Communications and Public Engagement

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

250 356-8241

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

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