Massport to Electrify South Boston Port as Cruise Ship Business Expands

As the cruise ship industry continues to grow, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is taking significant steps to enhance sustainability at the Flynn Cruiseport in South Boston. In 2024, the terminal recorded a notable surge, welcoming 167 ship visits and approximately 480,000 passengers. Recognizing the need to reduce environmental impacts, Massport is set to invest $60 million in a new initiative that will electrify the port, transitioning cruise ships from diesel idling to electric power while docked.

This plan includes the installation of two power units resembling shipping containers, which will connect to an Eversource substation located nearby. By utilizing ship-to-shore power, cruise ships will be able to power down their engines, thus decreasing emissions and improving air quality in the surrounding community. This upgrade is part of a broader $100 million renovation planned for the terminal, which originally opened as the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in the 1980s.

Rich Davey, Massport’s new chief executive, highlighted this commitment to sustainability, noting that they were initially waiting for the cruise industry to adopt cleaner fuels before implementing such changes. However, with the industry’s continued reliance on diesel, the decision to pursue this electrification project is timely. Despite a recent setback with a funding request to the Environmental Protection Agency, which was denied, Massport is moving forward using its own capital plan, financed largely through bonds.

Beyond the electrification effort, the terminal renovations will also include improvements to passenger facilities, with an eye to enhancing the overall experience for both travelers and local residents. While a slight decrease in cruise visits is anticipated for 2025, Massport remains optimistic about future growth.

Local officials, including state Senator Nick Collins, have long pushed for the installation of electric power hookups as part of a strategy to promote ongoing business expansions at the Cruiseport without compromising environmental commitments or local community health. Collins expressed support for the new direction taken by Massport under its revamped leadership, suggesting that these improvements signal a commitment to sustainable practices in tourism.

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