By Mark Edward Nero
The Canadian government has approved funding for the installation of shore power facilities for container vessels at two Port Metro Vancouver container terminals, the port revealed during a July 22 announcement.
“We are proud to be investing in shore power at Port Metro Vancouver’s Centerm and Deltaport container terminals,” Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Canada’s Minister of National Revenue, said. “Federal initiatives such as the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program will not only help the environment and improve our health, but will also position British Columbia’s trade sectors to take advantage of growth opportunities, increase revenues and create jobs.”
Shore power reduces port emissions by allowing vessels to draw power from the local electrical grid and thereby turn off their diesel engines while at berth. Port Metro Vancouver was the first port in Canada to implement shore power for cruise ships, and since 2009 more than 11,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided, according to the port.
The total project funding is $12 million: $6 million from Transport Canada’s Shore Power Technology for Ports Program and $6 million from Port Metro Vancouver.
Additionally, $4.97 million – $2.485 million from Transport Canada, $2.485 million from Port Metro Vancouver – is to be used to install shore power technology at a berth at Global Container Terminal’s Deltaport terminal in Delta, B.C.
Also, another $7.3 million – $3.8 million from Port Metro Vancouver, $3.5 million from Transport Canada – is earmarked for the installation of shore power technology at a berth at DP World Vancouver’s Centerm Container terminal in Vancouver and necessary upgrades on nearby BC Hydro property.
Each ship connection to shore power is estimated to avoid greenhouse gas emissions of 75 tons. Both shore power operations are expected to be operational by March 31, 2017.