On Friday, the Ports of Auckland had announced that it has commissioned a feasibility study to investigate possible alternatives for powering cruise ships while in port, with a particular focus on shore power with the goal of becoming a zero-emissions port by 2040.
Feasibility study:
The study, which is set to be completed by April 2017, will also examine other alternatives such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or methanol-powered barges to generate power for use by ships, as well as the use of low sulfur fuels for emissions reductions.
Tony Gibson, CEO, Ports of Auckland said, “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and having zero emissions by 2040. 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”.
He further added, “In carrying out the study, we will work closely with Vector to understand the capability of the local grid, and with cruise lines to understand their capabilities and future requirements”.
In line with Auckland Council’s carbon reduction goals, Ports of Auckland says shore power could help reduce locally generated emissions and shipping’s carbon footprint.
Steve Odell, Chairman for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia said, “CLIA and its member cruise lines welcome the feasibility study and look forward to working closely with Ports of Auckland on it, 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”.
CLIA has previously urged Australia to hold off on implementing more stringent sulfur limits before receiving results from a “science-based study”.
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Source: POAL
