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Ports of Auckland (POAL), New Zealand, says it has commissioned a feasibility study to examine alternative methods for "plugging in" cruise ships when in port.

The main alternative being studied is powering ships from the national grid, known as 'shore power' or 'cold ironing'. The study will also consider a range of alternatives including liquefied natural gas- (LNG) or methanol-powered barges to generate a ship's power, and the use of low-sulphur fuels to reduce emissions.

Currently, ships in port need to keep their generators running to supply on-board power. By providing shore-based power, Ports of Auckland would be able to reduce locally generated emissions, and shipping firms would reduce fuel costs whilst at port.

Ports of Auckland CEO, Tony Gibson, remarked: "We have set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and having zero emissions by 2040. This work will support both those goals. Initially we will look at the feasibility of providing alternative power just for cruise ships, but we aim to extend that across the whole port longer term.

"In carrying out the study, we will work closely with Vector to understand the capability of the local grid, and with cruise lines to understand their capabilities and future requirements."

Steve Odell, chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, said: "CLIA and its member cruise lines welcome the feasibility study and look forward to working closely with Ports of Auckland on it. The cruise industry is committed to ensuring that its environmental footprint continues to be minimal through world's best practice and technology. Our member lines are developing and deploying innovative technologies to reduce emissions and we will be sharing these initiatives with Ports of Auckland."

The study is due to be completed by April 2017.

Image: Auckland's Sky Tower with the port in the background.