The Port of San Diego is now the second port in California and fifth in the world to use shore power at its cruise ship terminals. The system known as cold ironing is the process of switching from a ship’s onboard diesel power supply to shore-based electrical power while at dock. This process reduces polluting air emissions from the ships since electricity from the grid is much cleaner than generating energy from diesel engines.
The Port of San Diego officially celebrated the installation of the $7.1 million system during a media event on Dec. 11. Port executives, including Commissioner Michael B. Bixler, County Supervisor Greg Cox, and officials from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District and San Diego and Electric (SDG&E) helped dedicate the system during a ceremony at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal.
“This is an important moment in the port’s history. This installation puts the Port of San Diego into a very exclusive club,” Bixler said. “Clearly, we’re on the cutting edge of this technology, and this dedication underscores the port’s commitment, and the commitment of our board, to address environmental issues.”
Cox said the shore power installation is a joint effort. “This project was made possible by the assistance of the county’s Air Pollution Control District,” Cox said. “The district provided $2.4 million in state grants from the Carl Moyer Program. The benefit to the county’s air quality and public health is substantial.”
Holland America Line’s Oosterdam was the first of the cruise lines to power up using the shore power system. “We can provide up to 12 megawatts of power,” said Michelle White, manager of the Port of San Diego’s Green Port Program. “That’s enough to power a large college campus.”
Initially, one cruise ship can be powered from shore at a time. Eventually, the system will be able to power two cruise ships simultaneously, either at B Street or at the auxiliary terminal, the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. For more information, visit http://www.portofsandiego.org/.
From "Travel Pulse"
14 December 2010
