Australia announced plans for creating the world’s first shipping and cruise hub, to be run on 100% renewable shore power energy.
Australia is now planning to convert the Bays Port to introduce shore power for both cruise ships and bulk carriers calling at the port.
The Bay Ports zone includes Glebe Island and White Bay, and according to the announcement it will be the first bulk shipping precinct fully supplied by shore power. As part of the project, they will be bringing the capability to the White Bay Cruise Terminal, which they reported will also be the first shore-powered cruise berth in the Southern Hemisphere. The announcement said that the power would be generated from renewable resources but did not specify the sources.
The first berth is set to come online in 2024, and will allow shore power capable ships to cut their diesel generators, and thereby reducing emissions, air pollution, and noise levels whilst at the port
said Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott.
The Port Authority of NSW in collaboration with the government will be investing over A$60 million (approximately US$45 million) to deliver the infrastructure required to support the conversion to shore power in the region.
Shore power is cleaner and quieter, minimizing the impact of ships on neighbouring areas and ensuring our last remaining deep water harbour berths continue to operate sustainably into the future
…Mr. Elliott added.
The plan is supported by bulk shipping and cruise industry leaders, and the Port Authority of NSW has pledged $60 million to deliver infrastructure and retrofit older ships to use the shore powered technology, Port Authority of NSW chief executive Philip Holliday said.
Delivering Shore Power will drive us even further than our already ambitious NSW net zero targets, of a 75 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 and be net zero by 2040
…Captain Holliday said, noting also that port users have already pledged to retrofit and build ships to take advantage of this technology. The Port Authority said as part of a second phase it will also investigate extending shore power to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay used by cruise ships close to the world-famous Sydney Opera House.
A 2017 feasibility study concluded that the cost of developing shore power would be prohibitive for the port and, in addition, they cited a cost of A$2 million to retrofit cruise ships to use shore power and A$1 million for the conversion of the typical bulk carrier. Under the new plan, the shore power capabilities for the port will benefit from high power cables that will be strung in the area to support an expansion of the metro system in Sydney.
They expect the bulk shipping industry to adopt the capability to meet new environmental standards. Minister Elliot said that in the Bays Port area alone, renewable shore power will remove up to 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere over 12 months.
Carnival Australia, Australia’s main cruise organization, said it embraced the shift to shore power and was committed environmental protection.
Importantly, P&O, as one of the major users of the White Bay Cruise Terminal, now has a fleet comprised entirely of shore power ready ships
…Carnival Australia president Marguerite Fitzgerald said, noting also that a number of factors made shore power an attractive solution.
