Ports of Auckland is looking at “plugging-in” berthed cruise ships to the national grid.
A recently released feasibility study by the port is recommending the “shore power” initiative at one berth in the next five years.
Having berthed vessels shut off their engines to be powered by locally generated electricity is seen as step forward for the industry in tackling carbon emissions.
The project is estimated to cost around $18.3 million and will reduce emissions by 31%.
Cruise ships were selected for the study as the industry has been proactive at addressing environmental issues over the past decade and these vessels are more frequently fitted with the on-board infrastructure required, the report says.
Fuel switching to methanol, natural gas and low sulphur diesel was also recommended in the report.
However, port chief executive Tony Gibson says fuel switching will not be pursed “at this stage” because the greenhouse gas reductions “are marginal”.
“While fuel switching would deliver a large reduction in sulphur emissions, this reduction is due to happen with the introduction of new international rules on the sulphur content of marine fuels in 2020,” he says.
The port is set to carry out further work on the shore power project this year with a detailed cost estimate, a cost-benefit analysis and an investigation of funding options.
The feasibility report has been provided to the Auckland Council Sustainability Office and the port will co-ordinate with council as the project progresses.
“We have a goal of becoming a zero emissions port by 2040, and shore power has the potential to make a significant contribution to achieving this goal.
“In New Zealand we are fortunate to have over 80% of our electricity generated renewably, which also gives us the potential to have world leading emissions reductions from shore power. I am very pleased to support this project to the next stage,” Gibson says.
