Port Victoria Harbour (BC Canada) is set to join a growing network of ports incorporating shore power technology, allowing berthed vessels to connect to the city's power grid, thereby reducing emissions and environmental impact.
Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand recently announced a $35.5 million investment aimed at enhancing infrastructure at British Columbia’s ports and terminals through the Green Shipping Corridor Program. This initiative is designed to strengthen domestic supply chains while mitigating emissions and noise pollution affecting coastal communities. Of the total funding, $22.5 million has been allocated to Ogden Point for the installation of shore power facilities to accommodate cruise ships.
Shore power, recognized as a critical technology for reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint, enables ships to deactivate their engines while in port, significantly cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has indicated that 85% of cruise ships scheduled for delivery over the next 4 years will be equipped with shore power compatibility.
Victoria is positioned to follow the lead of West Coast ports such as Vancouver, Seattle, and Juneau, which were early adopters of this infrastructure.
In 2022, Prince Rupert Terminal also enhanced its shore power capabilities through a collaboration with the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) and BC Hydro.
Given that cruise ships have substantial energy demands while docked, the transition to shore power is expected to yield significant environmental benefits. Last year, Ogden Point received 316 cruise ship calls, bringing ~970,000 passengers to Victoria. These visitors contributed an estimated $113 million to the local economy, supporting roughly 800 jobs. A maritime impact study has shown that cruise ships require between 10 and 100 megawatts of power for onboard operations, with hotel services alone accounting for nearly half of this energy consumption. By shifting to shore power, emissions from berthed vessels could be significantly reduced.
The project’s success, however, depends on the willingness of cruise lines to utilize shore power. Major operators such as Disney, Princess, and NCL-Norwegian - frequent visitors to Victoria - have already implemented this technology in other ports, suggesting a level of industry readiness.
Despite aligning with the city’s Net Zero initiatives and broader efforts to reduce the maritime sector’s environmental impact, the shore power project faces several challenges. Recent fiscal developments, including a local referendum approving $160+ million in borrowing for a new Crystal Pool and the provincial government’s announcement of a $9 billion deficit, introduce potential financial constraints.
While federal funding for the project appears secure - Anand confirmed that the allocated funds had been approved in previous budgets and were already being disbursed - uncertainty remains regarding provincial contributions. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), which manages Victoria’s port infrastructure, is expected to share in the costs, though the specifics of its financial commitment remain unclear.
Historically, similar projects have relied on cost-sharing models. In 2017, the Alexandra Pier shore power retrofit in Montreal was funded through contributions from the federal government ($5 million), the Quebec government ($3 million), and the Montreal Port Authority. However, escalating construction and labor costs raise concerns that Victoria’s shore power implementation may exceed the $22.5 million currently allocated.
A critical factor in the project’s feasibility is the availability of sufficient electrical supply. The province has committed $3.2 billion toward power grid upgrades as part of a broader $36 billion infrastructure investment over the next decade. BC Hydro, as a Crown corporation, is a likely energy provider for the shore power initiative. However, given the province’s financial position, there is uncertainty as to whether the necessary grid enhancements will be prioritized.
In Montreal, Hydro-Quebec addressed similar challenges by installing a dedicated 25-kilovolt transmission line to supply power to the cruise terminal. A comparable solution may be required in Victoria, but the costs and logistical feasibility remain open questions.
Alternative power sources, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) generators or renewable energy systems, have been explored in other ports to offset potential electricity shortages. However, while LNG could provide a reliable energy source, it would not align with the project’s emissions reduction goals.
Victoria’s adoption of shore power represents a significant step toward maritime sustainability. However, financial and infrastructure challenges remain, requiring coordination between federal, provincial, and local stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.