The Port of Quebec will evaluate the feasibility of providing shore power for cruise ships

The Quebec Port Authority, maritime community, tourism sector representatives, as well as various citizen groups met last December 8th at the Quebec City International Cruise Forum to work together for the cruise industry’s wise and sustainable development.

Approximately 100 people attended the Cruise Forum’s fourth edition. Since its creation in 2014, the Forum has focused on the concerted efforts of partners involved in the cruise industry, including the City of Quebec (a Green Marine supporter), and community representatives.

At the event, the Quebec Port Authority announced that it will be undertaking a feasibility study regarding the provision of shore power for cruise ships, including the project's costs, technical feasibility, and related reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Other ports on the Canada-New England route, including Montreal, Saguenay, and Halifax (all Green Marine participants), are also involved in developing one of the greenest cruise routes in the world.

Although only two per cent of the world's ports are equipped to power ships at dockside to date, several cruise lines have taken advantage of the pandemic to electrify their fleets.

Other commitments were announced or renewed during the Forum, such as limiting the number of visitors to Québec city per day to 15,000, and actively promoting local purchasing to maximize regional economic benefits.