Port of Prince Rupert activates shore power to container terminal for vessel emission reduction

The Port of Prince Rupert has achieved a significant milestone in its emissions reduction measures with expanded shore power capacity at DP World Prince Rupert’s Fairview Container Terminal.

New electrical infrastructure was installed at the terminal’s north berth and upgrades were made to the south berth through a partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA), DP World, and BC Hydro.

In fact, the full commissioning of the shore power system now allows ships at both berths to shut down their main generators and rely on specially equipped dockside power connections while their cargo is being loaded and unloaded.

The first ship to utilise the new north berth shore power system was the COSCO CSCL Summer on 12 December 2022.

According to the authority of the Canadian port, the ability to plug in large container vessels to shore power while at either terminal berth is expected to reduce carbon emissions by almost 30,000 tonnes annually, as well as other air emissions related to vessel exhaust such as nitrogen oxides and particulates, from the local airshed.

That is the equivalent of removing over 6,500 typical passenger vehicles from the road.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority, DP World Prince Rupert, and BC Hydro contributions to the project were supported by US$1.6 million in funding toward the US$5.5 million project provided through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund and was coordinated through BMO Radicle.

“Shore power capacity is a critical component of the Port of Prince Rupert’s carbon reduction strategy and aligns with global efforts to transition the shipping and marine industries to renewable, clean energy sources,” commented Shaun Stevenson, president and CEO of Prince Rupert Port Authority.

“Shore power demonstrates DP World’s commitment to a sustainable operation as we cut CO2 emissions globally by nearly 700,000 tonnes over the next five years,” said Maksim Mihic, CEO and general manager of DP World (Canada) Inc.

He noted, “In addition, to the shortest ship crossing from Asia to North America, and the greenest rail connection, this will position Prince Rupert as a leader in eco-friendly port operations.”

The shore power project is a key part of PRPA’s Carbon Reduction Plan, which aims to reduce the port’s greenhouse gas intensity by 30% from 2018 levels by the year 2030 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.