The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is receiving $9 million from the government of B.C. to install infrastructure at Ogden Point that will allow cruise ships to access clean hydroelectricity and turn off their engines.

Shore power will be installed at two berths, which will allow multiple ships to draw electricity at the port.

鈥淭his is truly a win-win for the environment and is building benefits for our oceans and marine environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality,鈥� Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming said. 鈥淭he cruise ship industry, which is taking remarkable strides on environmental stewardship, does produce greenhouse gas emissions while they鈥檙e at the terminal. Most of these emissions are produced while they鈥檙e in port.鈥�

Fleming made the funding announcement at Ogden Point Wednesday (April 5) and said this shore power infrastructure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is teaming up with the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, BC Hydro, the City of Victoria and cruise lines to design and install this new infrastructure.

鈥淎n initiative of this scope is very complex and will demand a lot of collaboration with a lot of partners,鈥� Greater Victoria Harbour Authority CEO Robert Lewis-Manning said. 鈥淭he shore power initiative is one of several crucial initiatives at the port that will reduce emissions and impacts and support the longer-term objectives of decarbonization and a sustainable operating framework.鈥�

The transportation sector is responsible for 40 per cent of B.C.鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions.

鈥淲e appreciate the province investing in the city鈥檚 visitor industry,鈥� said Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto. 鈥淪hore power is a significant step towards sustainable tourism that supports our local economy and prioritizes the health and well-being of our residents, community, and the environment.鈥�

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority believes 320 cruise ships and approximately 850,000 passengers will dock at Ogden Point this year.

鈥淧rojects like this are going to help contribute to a strong economy that keeps our neighbourhoods vibrant,鈥� Fleming said.

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brendan.mayer@blackpress.ca
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