Shore power is a highly effective way to reduce marine diesel air emissions. Shore power improves local air quality by enabling ships to shut down their engines and connect to the electrical grid in order to provide necessary power while docked. Two types of systems will be installed at the Port of Montreal with this project. One is a shore power connection for cruise ships at the Alexandra Pier and the other is a four connection shore power system for wintering ships. Total greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions resulting from this project are expected to reach 2,800 tonnes annually – 1,300 tonnes from cruise ship connections and 1,500 tonnes from wintering ships.
The total cost of the project is $11M. The Government of Canada is providing up to $5M under its Shore Power Technology for Ports Program. The Government of Quebec is providing $3M and the Montreal Port Authority is providing the remaining $3M.
“I warmly thank the governments of Canada and Quebec for their generous contribution to this shore power project, which will significantly reduce GHG emissions at the Port of Montreal”, said Mrs. Sylvie Vachon. “For us, sustainable development is an approach that rises above the obligation to conform to various environmental laws and regulations. We are committed to always evaluate options that will improve our environmental footprint, and this project is a concrete and significant example of this approach.”