An air pollution abatement measure was approved on Tuesday, July 17, by Port of Los Angeles’ Board of Harbor Commissions.
Cruisers will be able to go on plugging in to shoreside power at Port of Los Angeles under agreement renewal approved by port’s harbor commission. Under the action approved by the commission, the cruise port will ink a 3-year service agreement under which cruise vessels will be able to plug into what port of LA calls Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) while at berth.
Through plugging into shoreside power, ships are able to shut off diesel and gas turbine engines, thereby preventing air pollution fouling South Bay.
Shoreside electrical power will be supplied by Los Angeles Dept. of Water&Power at outlets situated at berths 91 and 93, where 2 cruise ships can be simultaneously connected while at berth.
The utility bills' payment is port's responsibility, however the port will then invoice the cruise ship owner or cruise terminal operator, as appropriate, to be reimbursed.
Port of Los Angeles estimates it will pay a minimum of US$11,250 per month, or US$125,000 per year, to Department of Water&Power. The new 3-year agreement goes into effect on September 23, upon the expiration of previous agreement.
Over 100 cruise ships have come through the port per year since 2014. A dozen cruise companies are expected during 2018, including Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Princess Cruises.
Some container ships are also able to tap into electrified berths. The Port has equipped over 30 berths where container and refrigerated cargo ships can plug into shoreside electricity.
Nearby Port of Long Beach cruise terminal, Pier H, reopened in February 2018 after being electrified by the tenant, Carnival Cruise Line.