Cruise ships can now be powered by electricity at the port of Montreal

The Montreal Port Authority announced that its shore power project has been completed and that vessels docking at the Port of Montreal’s new cruise terminal can now be powered by electricity. This two-pronged project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2,800 tonnes per year.

This is the first green initiative of its kind in Quebec, the port said. The project was rolled out in two phases. The first was shore power for wintering vessels and the second, for cruise ships. In 2016, the MPA developed four power supply stations at berths 25, 27, 29 and M2 for vessels that winter at the Port.

As part of the rehabilitation of Alexandra Pier and the cruise terminal, the MPA had the necessary equipment installed to provide shore power for cruise ships, working with its technical partners. To provide a sufficiently powerful power supply for cruise ships, Hydro-Québec installed a new 25 kV line to supply the new substation installed at the cruise terminal in 2016.

For its part, Schneider Electric designed and built the equipment needed to install the electrical substation. Carried out in 2016 and 2017, these works led on July 29 to the successfully completed, first ever connection to Holland America Line’s cruise ship, the ms Veendam.

The total project cost was $11 million. The government of Canada is contributing up to $5 million under its Shore Power Technology for Ports Program.

“The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient and green transportation system. By taking action to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, we are improving the lives of Canadians while investing in the future of cleaner transportation. New and emerging technologies are laying the groundwork for Canada’s present and future economic growth“, said the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.