B.C. to fund green infrastructure for cruise ships as season gears up in Victoria – BC
Cruise ships docked at Victoria’s Ogden Point will soon have access to clean hydroelectric power and will be able to switch off their engines to protect the environment, according to the state government.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is providing $9 million to support the new infrastructure. This includes shore power installations at two berths that allow multiple vessels to be plugged in simultaneously.
Transport Minister Rob Fleming said in a news release on Wednesday, “People are looking for solutions to environmental problems while growing their economies.
“This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution, and create well-paid jobs that support sustainable tourism.”
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According to the provincial government, transportation is BC’s largest source of climate pollutant emissions, accounting for 40% of total annual emissions.
Wednesday The announcement comes as the seven-month cruise season prepares to open on April 11th. Greater Victoria Harbor Authority Are expected About 330 ships called at the Victoria Cruise Terminal, with about 850,000 passengers.
Kelly Craighead, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Cruise Lines International Association, said TRAFFIC has been warmly welcomed after years of pandemic turmoil.
“I’m happy to say the industry is back. In fact, the ship she’s running now is 100% and we’ll see how it goes this season, but we expect it to return to 100% capacity, if not marginal growth,” she said. told her Global News.
“I’m really happy to be back here in British Columbia and I’m really looking forward to bringing back the 17,000 jobs represented here and the 30,000 jobs across the country.”
Barry Penner, Canadian legal counsel for the Cruise Lines International Association, said B.C.’s cruise industry generated $2.7 billion a year to B.C.’s economy before COVID-19. Greater Victoria He Harbor His Authority says the industry typically puts him more than $143 million in the Victoria area alone.
Penner said he was optimistic about the industry’s recovery and future growth.
“A survey done of people on cruise ships visiting here for the first time showed that 60% indicated an intention to return,” he said in Victoria.
“Of course, last year was our first year back in Canada after the pandemic, and we didn’t sell all the cabins the cruise line could have in order to preserve space in case we needed to quarantine for health reasons. It was also intentional.
“Hopefully most of that concern is behind us and we will have the ability to sell more cabins as we sail towards a brighter future.”
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According to a recent Destination BC report, BC is a hub for cruise activity, accounting for approximately 50% of all Canadian cruise traffic.
Penner said he also welcomed the news of more sustainable infrastructure at Ogden Point, noting that cruise lines are working toward net-zero emissions targets by 2050 and that “shore power is one of the key components of that. ‘ said.
“As you know, Vancouver has been onshore powered for some time and it has proven very successful,” he said. “We look forward to working with our government partners, including port authorities, to make that happen in Victoria. do you see?”
According to the Greater Victoria Harbor Authority, 85% The number of Cruise Lines International Association ships that come online between now and 2028 will be able to connect to shore power. A further 98% of new buildings in that period will be equipped with shore power systems or configured with additional shore power.
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