MONTREAL: Through its Shore Power Technology for Ports program, the federal government has contributed $5 million to the Port of Montreal Authority’s shore power project. Transport Canada says the newly completed project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling ships to shut down their diesel engines and connect to an electrical grid supplied by renewable energy sources. This project is expected to help reduce approximately 2,800 tonnes per year of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of removing 700 trucks from the road. The Government of Quebec and Montreal Port Authority have also contributed to the shore power project, for a total project cost of $11 million.
Including the Port of Montreal’s shore power project, five projects have been completed across Canada since the Shore Power Technology for Ports program was launched. The federal government is also funding the installation of shore power facilities for container vessels at two terminals at the Port of Vancouver. So far, $27.2 million has been provided by the government to Canadian port authorities as part of the 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,” said Marc Garneau, minister of Transport.
