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.”

Nevertheless, the Port cautions that a heavy goods vehicle holding area at the former Manston Airport site for Port of Dover bound traffic is neither proven to work nor a permanent solution in itself.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: “While it is welcome news that the Government is taking further action to alleviate the significant knock on effects in south east Kent caused by the ongoing problems in Calais and at Eurotunnel, attention should not slip away from finding a solution that provides lasting resilience at this nationally important strategic freight corridor. We have some concerns over the practicalities of the solution proposed but remain committed to working with all our partners to maintain traffic fluidity.”

The Port of Dover, together with sister ports in France, handles £100 billion of UK/European trade each year and represents a principal trade route between the UK and mainland Europe. The recent disruption to this vital international trade corridor cost the national economy up to £250 million per day in lost trade.

The Port of Dover remains open for business with our ferry partners operating full services to Calais and Dunkirk. The Port continues to work closely with all of its multi-agency partners in responding to the ongoing situation so we can deliver the biggest, best and most efficient service on the shortest sea crossing between UK mainland Europe.

The warning follows other recent adverse weather in Chile, with the Port Authority already warning of expected damage to some ports as a result of local conditions. Ports in the north, along with the central region – Quintero, Valparaiso and San Antonio – remain closed and port operations are subject to Port Authority evaluation. People are also being warned to stay away from immediate coastal areas.

ISS Chile will continue to monitor developments and keep its clients updated.