GVHA receives $9 million from CleanBC to install shore power

The Province of British Columbia is providing $9 million to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) to design and install infrastructure at Ogden Point that would provide cruise ships with access to clean hydroelectricity while in port. The funds come from the government’s CleanBC plan to lower climate-changing emissions.

Shore power will be installed at two berths within the deepwater terminal at Ogden Point in Victoria, B.C. The installations will facilitate multiple ships drawing electricity at the port, which will significantly reduce the region’s greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants.

The funding will help GVHA to advance the project and begin work with BC Hydro. GVHA will continue to work with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, BC Hydro, the cruise lines and the City of Victoria to develop a schematic design and deliver the infrastructure.

It is anticipated that by 2030, 85% of all vessels calling the Victoria Cruise Terminal will be shore power capable; that number will increase to 95% by 2040. As of 2018, 48% of vessels calling to the Victoria Cruise Terminal were shore-power capable.