Galveston looks to shore power to cut emissions
The Port of Galveston is exploring whether to roll out shore power and has partnered with a consortium of organisations.
PHOTO: A near-complete New Royal Caribbean cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston. Port of Galveston
The consortium includes US-based energy company CenterPoint Energy, oil major Shell Trading (US) Company, Texas A&M University at Galveston and cruise ship operators Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean.
The deal encompasses charting a timeline, exploring project specifications and estimating costs to develop shore power for vessels docking at the port.
Shore power is the process of providing electrical power from the shore to a ship while it is docked, enabling the ships to turn off auxiliary engines and reduce its emissions.
Galveston Wharves's port director Rodger Rees recognises shore power “as an opportunity to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases associated with maritime activities.”
Rees added that “the port has seen growing interest in powering docked ships with shore-side electricity.”
Both the cruise operators Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corporation have pledged to use shore power while docking their ships in the port when it becomes available.
Demand for shore power has increased of late. A recent report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has revealed that 85% of cruise ship newbuilds set to be inducted by 2028 will be able to access shore power in ports.
Hence, several global ports have been ramping up their efforts to implement shore power as they look to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and meet rising demand.
Among recent developments, this month, the Port of Lake Charles said it will supply shore power to Crowley tugboats. And last month, the Port of Barcelona contracted Danish electronics manufacturing firm PowerCon to build a shore power system to connect container ships to an electric grid in its BEST terminal.
By Tuhin Roy
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