The shore power system to allow cruise vessels to plug in when calling the port of Halifax is now complete and fully operational. Shore power is a highly effective way to reduce marine diesel air emissions by enabling ships to shut down their auxiliary engines and connect to the local electrical grid in order to provide necessary power while docked. This initiative represents the second shore power installation for cruise ships in Canada. The shore power project at the port of Halifax is part of a $10-million cooperative initiative between the government of Canada, the province of Nova Scotia and Halifax Port Authority. The tariff was developed in partnership with Nova Scotia Power.
“It is thanks to our funding partners, our industry partners, and our dedicated employees that we have been able to bring this project to completion,” said George Malec, Vice-President, Business Development and Operations, Halifax Port Authority. “We are excited to be able to offer this service to our partners in the cruise industry, and look forward to our continued work together as we further develop the cruise industry in Halifax.”
Testing of the shore power system at the Port of Halifax has been underway since the end of September. The system is now fully operational, and is ready to be used by shore power-equipped cruise vessels calling on Halifax. Port of Halifax anticipates over 25 shore power connections during the 2015 cruise season.