PortMiami, the self-styled cruise capital of the world, has launched its shore power facility which allows cruise ships to turn off engines and plug into landside electrical power while docked, resulting in reduced emissions and noise.
The new system provides the electricity required for lights, refrigeration, operating equipment, and other vessel functions. A partnership between Miami-Dade County, Carnival Corporation & plc, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages, and Florida Power & Light Company, PortMiami is the first major cruise port on the US eastern seaboard offering shore power capability at five cruise berths. In the coming year, 21 cruise ships will be outfitted for shore power and connect in Miami. The seaport will have more than 350 vessel calls plugging into the shore power system.
Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO said: “We are committed to being a sustainable global gateway. We thank our Mayor, County Commissioners, and port partners for their continued support of our resilience initiatives.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said: “As Mayor, I vowed to protect our environment; shore power has been my personal dream and initiative. We embarked on this journey in 2021, thanks to an innovative partnership with our major cruise line partners and Florida Power & Light Company. Shore power is a great example of progress in tourism and clean energy converging. Together, we are creating jobs, expanding our economy, and preparing to meet the dynamic needs of tomorrow.”
Plugging into shoreside electricity allows cruise ships to cut emissions in port by up to 98%. Miami-Dade County’s mission is to operate one of Florida’s most active seaports in a way that supports economic development and sustainability. PortMiami has a US$ 4.2bn capital improvement program centred around NetZero efforts.
Image: Carnival cruise ship connects to shore power in PortMiami (credit: Miami-Dade County)
