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Shore Power for Cruise Ships at Canada Place in 2009
December 17, 2008
The shore power installation at the homeport of the Vancouver-Alaska cruise – one of the world’s most popular cruises – represents a $9 million cooperative initiative among Transport Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Port Metro Vancouver, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
"Our government is working with our provincial, territorial and industry partners to invest in infrastructure projects that can improve our quality of life, encourage job creation and ultimately strengthen our economy," said Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore. “The launch of the port electrification project is a clear example of what can be done to stimulate our economy when we all work together. This project is good for Vancouver and will set an example for other ports across Canada.
Representatives from each of the participating organizations gathered at Canada Place today for the formal announcement of the project.
"British Columbia is setting a new transportation standard by being the first Canadian province to have a commercial application of shore power at its ports,” said British Columbia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Kevin Falcon. “Improving air quality will make Vancouver an even more liveable city and bring us closer to our government’s goal of reducing greenhouse emissions by one-third by 2020.”
Planning for shore power installation at Port Metro Vancouver began in 2005. The initiative represents the first shore power installation for cruise ships in Canada, and only the third in the world.
“We are grateful for the outstanding support and cooperation of all the participants in this initiative,” said Captain Gordon Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “The installation of cruise ship shore power at Canada Place demonstrates the Port’s commitment to implementing valuable environmental programs, and allows us to remain competitive with other West Coast ports in the provision of this innovative technology.”
Port Metro Vancouver is Canada’s largest port. Port activities generate 132,700 total jobs across Canada and $10.5 billion in GDP. The Port hosted 254 cruise ship visits in 2008. Each cruise ship that docks in Vancouver contributes $2 million to the local economy.
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Contacts:
Anne McMullin
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Port Metro Vancouver
Phone: 604.665.9069
Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird, Ottawa
Phone: 613.990.0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
Phone: 613.993.0055
Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification
Phone: 604.666.1318
David Currie
Public Affairs Officer
B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Phone: 250.387.5798