The New South Wales (NSW) government has committed AU$20 million to enhance the environmental performance of White Bay Cruise Terminal in Balmain (Sydney), with the introduction of shore power infrastructure. This investment aims to reduce emissions from docked cruise ships by enabling them to connect to electric power, allowing engines to be turned off while in port.
The shore power project, a first of its kind in Australia, will provide ships with landside electric charging capabilities, significantly cutting down on both emissions and noise pollution at one of the nation’s busiest cruise terminals. Once operational, the system is expected to reduce emissions by 4,000+ tonnes annually, improving air quality and lessening noise for the surrounding Balmain and Rozelle communities.
An AU$20 million contract for the project was awarded to the Danish firm Powercon, with construction anticipated to begin by late 2024. The system is projected to be fully operational by 2026, at which time shore power usage will be mandatory for all ships docking at White Bay, most of which are already equipped for this technology.
This initiative brings Sydney in line with global trends, as European ports are set to mandate shore power by 2030. According to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen, the White Bay project represents a significant stride in reducing the cruise industry’s environmental footprint. Haylen noted that the emissions reduction achieved by shore power at White Bay will be equivalent to removing 1,100 cars from Sydney’s roads or planting 20,000 trees annually.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek also highlighted the long-standing concerns of local residents, emphasizing that the community had waited too long for solutions to noise and pollution from docked vessels.