Summary of GVHA Shore Power Project:
GVHA Shore Power Project is the foundation for GVHA’s overall deepwater terminal electrification program. The goal is an electrified deepwater terminal with renewable energy options that will support energy self-sufficiency and emission reductions for cruise industry as well as marine and upland port operations.
Shore Power is a catalyst for innovation and future economic growth and development in Greater Victoria and will accelerate actions already underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout shipping and cruise industries.
Delivery of the Shore Power project is complex and will involve multiple parties, including First Nations, Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments.
Overall, the goals of shore power are to electrify the deep-water terminal, removing barriers to the adoption of emission-reducing equipment and infrastructure. This will lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and further build capacity and options for a Green Corridor network for shore power availability at key ports within the Alaskan Cruise market.
GVHA is currently evaluating multiple renewable energy options, including hydroelectric power, green hydrogen, tidal and wave energy, and microgrid technologies. It’s a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Further Background on Shore Power:
Victoria’s neighbouring ports of Seattle, Juneau and Vancouver have had conventional shore power successfully implemented for over 10 years.
Victoria is already positioned as a desirable tourism destination and popular cruise stop, particularly for Alaskan cruises. This project will help develop a more comprehensive itinerary of shore power-enabled cruise ports and ports-of-call along the West Coast.
With sustainability at the core of the cruise line industry, reducing GHG emissions wherever possible is a priority. Shore power supports decarbonization in the marine sector and assists in creating green shipping corridors; it proposes deploying shore power technology to allow ships to be plugged in and supplied with cleaner hydroelectric power rather than combustion auxiliary engines while at berth.
A shore power system minimizes local and regional air pollution from criterial air contaminants by reducing emissions from docked vessels. In addition, it positions the region as a leader in sustainable maritime practices, making it more attractive for business and tourism as environmental credentials are strengthened.