WASHINGTON: Ports of Auckland in New Zealand is exploring the feasibility of powering cruise ships from the national electricity grid, or LNG- or methanol-powered barges, when they are berthed in port. Currently ships in port need to keep their generators running to supply onboard power when berthed in Auckland, but the port has commissioned a feasibility study to evaluate the benefits of alternative methods.
By providing shore-based power, Ports of Auckland would be able to reduce locally generated emissions and shipping’s carbon footprint, supporting Auckland Council’s carbon reduction goals. “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and having zero emissions by 2040,” said Tony Gibson, Ports of Auckland CEO. “This work will support both those goals. Initially we will look at the feasibility of providing alternative power just for cruise ships, but we aim to extend that across the whole port longer term.”
Ports of Auckland will work closely with the cruise lines to identify their requirements, and with New Zealand company Vector to understand the capability of the local grid. “CLIA and its member cruise lines welcome the feasibility study and look forward to working closely with Ports of Auckland on it,” said Steve Odell, chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia. “The cruise industry is committed to ensuring that its environmental footprint continues to be minimal through world’s best practice and technology. Our member lines are developing and deploying innovative technologies to reduce emissions and we will be sharing these initiatives with Ports of Auckland.” The study is due to be completed by April 2017.
