The Port of San Diego is now able to accommodate two cruise ships using shore power at the same time.
The seaport announced Jan. 13 that it was able to allow two cruise vessels, the Disney Wonder and the Insignia, to simultaneously plug into shore power for the first time.
The port, which debuted in 2010 its first shore power outlet for cruise terminals, was able to double its plug-in capacity, thanks to a $4.6 million port investment to finish the project with the help of Cochrane Marine, LLC and San Diego County-based Baker Electric, Inc.
“Having two shore power outlets at the cruise ship terminals will result in at least a 90% overall reduction of harmful pollutants (while the ships are docked) such as nitrous oxides (NOx) and diesel particulate matter (DPM) as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” the port said.
Bolstering its shore power capabilities is part of the port’s larger electrification efforts under the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which includes a new shore power system at the National City Marine Terminal, an emissions capture and control system (known as a ‘bonnet’) from Clean Air Engineering – Maritime, Inc. that would help link non shore power capable-vessels and moving cargo handling equipment and short-haul cargo trucks serving the port to zero emissions by 2030.
The port anticipates installing two all-electric Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 Mobile Harbor Cranes this year. These are expected to replace the diesel crane at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Also, in partnership with Crowley Maritime, the port plans to launch the first all-electric tugboat into service this year. The port is working to build a shoreside charging station for the eTug.
