Cruise ships visiting Victoria will soon be able to access clean hydroelectricity while moored at Ogden Point.
This is a huge win for clean energy because the hookup will also allow for cruise ships to turn their engines off while docked.
“People want solutions to environmental concerns while also growing our economy,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Adding shore power will allow us to turn off large cruise ship engines by connecting vessels to clean electricity at Ogden Point.”
“This will lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution and create well-paying jobs that support sustainable tourism.”
In addition to lowering gas pollution, this new infrastructure in store for Ogden Point will also make a massive dent in the amount of noise pollution underwater.
Ocean noise is just one type of noise pollution that seriously affects marine wildlife such as whales, sea lions and otters, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Whales especially rely on their ability to use echolocation and their sense of hearing to navigate, hunt and communicate. Cruise ship engines running idly can confuse these types of creatures making it hard for them to survive.
Two of Ogden Point’s berths will be hooked up with ‘shore power’ at the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s (GVHA) deep-water terminals.
“Today’s funding announcement by the Province of British Columbia is key to launching the next phase of this important initiative by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of the GVHA.
“Shore power is one of several initiatives supporting a sustainable working port cherished by the Lekwungen people, residents and visitors alike.”
Last year alone, the GVHA estimates 320 cruise ships carrying 850,000 passengers came through Ogden Point. These ships are crucial to Victoria and BC’s tourism sector and brought hundreds of thousands of dollars to the city.
The GVHA says they will be working with BC Hydro on the installation of the shore power infrastructure and they will be collaborating with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations throughout the whole process.
