Port Victoria Harbour (BC Canada) Pursues Shore Power Initiative Amid Financial Challenges

Port Victoria Harbour in British Columbia is moving forward with the implementation of shore power technology, enabling docked vessels to connect to the city’s power grid. This initiative aims to reduce emissions and lessen environmental impact.

Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand has announced a $35.5 million investment through the Green Shipping Corridor Program, of which $22.5 million is earmarked for installing shore power facilities at Ogden Point to support cruise ships. Shore power technology allows ships to turn off their engines while at port, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The Cruise Lines International Association reports that 85% of new cruise ships scheduled for delivery in the next four years will be compatible with shore power.

Victoria is joining other West Coast ports like Vancouver, Seattle, and Juneau, which have already adopted this infrastructure. In 2022, Prince Rupert Terminal enhanced its capabilities with shore power through a partnership with the Prince Rupert Port Authority and BC Hydro.

Cruise ships typically require significant energy while docked, with estimates ranging between 10 and 100 megawatts depending on operations such as hotel services. The switch to shore power could greatly reduce emissions from these vessels. In the last year alone, Ogden Point saw around 316 cruise ship visits, contributing approximately $113 million to the local economy.

While major cruise lines like Disney, Princess, and Norwegian have begun implementing shore power in other ports, usage at Victoria will depend on their commitment to this technology. Despite the alignment of the project with the city’s Net Zero initiatives, fiscal uncertainties could pose challenges. A recent local referendum approved borrowing over $160 million for other projects, including a new Crystal Pool, amidst a backdrop of a $9 billion provincial deficit.

Anand has confirmed that federal funding is secure, as these funds have been approved in prior budgets. However, the specifics of potential provincial contributions remain uncertain. A cost-sharing model was successfully used in a similar project in Montreal several years ago, but rising construction and labor costs may exceed Victoria’s current budget.

A critical aspect of the project is ensuring adequate electrical supply. The province has invested $3.2 billion in power grid upgrades as part of a broader $36 billion infrastructure plan. BC Hydro is likely to provide the necessary energy, but it is unclear how prioritization will align with the province’s financial challenges.

To overcome electrical supply issues, alternative power sources such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or renewable energy may need to be considered, though LNG does not align with emissions reduction goals.

The implementation of shore power at Victoria Harbour is an important step toward enhancing maritime sustainability, though it will require cooperation between federal, provincial, and local governments to address financial and infrastructure hurdles.

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