HALIFAX, Jan. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - The Port of Halifax will be the first
port in Atlantic Canada to implement shore power for cruise ships,
beginning with the 2014 cruise season.
Shore power is a highly effective way to reduce marine diesel air
emissions by enabling ships to shut down their engines and connect to
the electrical grid in order to provide necessary power while docked.
This initiative represents the second shore power installation for
cruise ships in Canada.
Today's announcement, which was made at Canada's largest East Coast port
by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Graham
Steele, MLA Halifax Fairview on behalf of Percy Paris, Minister of
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism for Nova Scotia, and Karen
Oldfield, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Halifax Port
Authority, represents a $10-million cooperative initiative among the
Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Port of
Halifax.
"Our government is proud to be investing in shore power right here in
Halifax," said Minister MacKay. "Power initiatives help the
environment, improve the health of Nova Scotians, and position Atlantic
tourism and trade sectors to take advantage of growth opportunities,
increase revenues and create jobs."
Transport Canada will contribute up to $5 million to the project. The
Province of Nova Scotia and the Port of Halifax will each contribute an
additional $2.5 million.
"We know Nova Scotians want good jobs and a thriving tourism industry,
and this investment represents part of our jobsHere plan to move toward
a more prosperous future," said MLA Steele. "The province is supporting
the businesses and workers that depend on the cruise ship industry,
creating quieter and cleaner conditions for visitors and Nova Scotian
families, and positioning Nova Scotia as a more attractive
destination."
"The support of this project from both the federal and provincial
governments will both help the environment and ensure Halifax remains a
marquee port-of-call on the Canada-New England itinerary," said Ms.
Oldfield. "The cruise industry is an important part of our local
economy, generating an estimated $50 million per year in economic
impact."
Once installed, shore power at the Port of Halifax will have immediate
benefits by decreasing cruise ship idling by seven per cent, and will
contribute to improved air quality and human health. This percentage is
expected to increase over time as more ships equipped for shore power
use the facilities. The seven per cent reduction represents an annual
decrease of approximately 123,000 litres of fuel and 370,000 kg of
greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.
Halifax is one of the largest natural harbours in the world and has the
deepest berths on the Eastern Seaboard of North America. In 2012, the
Port of Halifax generated approximately $1.5 billion in economic impact
and over 11,000 port-related jobs. Annual cruise activity accounts for
about eight per cent of all tourism traffic in Nova Scotia.
Funding for the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program was provided
under the Clean Transportation Initiatives in Budget 2011 as part of
the renewal of the Government of Canada's Clean Air Agenda. These
initiatives focus on aligning Canadian regulations with those in the
United States and with international standards, improving the
efficiency of the transportation system, and advancing green
technologies through programs such as Shore Power Technology for Ports.
These initiatives will help Canada achieve its economy-wide target of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels
by 2020.
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SOURCE: Transport Canada
