Cunard has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by equipping its entire fleet with the capability to utilize shore power.
Queen Elizabeth has been outfitted with the necessary equipment for shore power connection, resulting in all three Cunard vessels – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth – having the capacity to link up to shore power whenever it is available.
The upcoming addition to the fleet, Queen Anne, scheduled to make her debut in May 2024, will have this advanced technology integrated before her inaugural voyage.
Shore power technology empowers docked ships to directly connect to designated land-based power sources, allowing cruise ships to switch off their onboard engines and operate solely on electricity supplied by the local power grid. This contributes to the reduction of emissions and noise pollution during the ship's time in port. Many crucial ports, including Queen Mary 2's homeport at NYC's Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Queen Anne's homeport Southampton England, already have the necessary infrastructure for ships to connect to local grids.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, commented on this development, stating that by embracing shore power technology, they were taking a significant stride in their ongoing commitment to curbing emissions, lessening the carbon footprint, and cultivating more environmentally-friendly port environments.
"The introduction of shore power technology aligns seamlessly with Cunard’s corporate vision and values, and we are proud to be able to take such a positive step.”