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Port Metro Vancouver will be the first port in Canada to implement shore power for cruise ships, beginning with the 2009 cruise season.

The announcement, which was made at Canada's largest port by the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, James Moore, and British Columbia's Transport Minister, Kevin Falcon, represents a $9-million cooperative initiative among the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, Port Metro Vancouver, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and BC Hydro.

"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 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."

The initiative represents the first shore power installation for cruise ships in Canada, and only the third in the world. Representatives from each of the participating organizations gathered at Canada Place 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 Minister Falcon.

"Improving air quality will make Vancouver an even more livable city and bring us closer to our government's goal of reducing greenhouse emissions by one-third by 2020."

"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."

Shore power, also known as "cold-ironing", is a highly effective way to reduce marine diesel air emissions by enabling ships to shut down their engines and connect to the electrical grid in order to provide necessary power while docked. Without shoreside electricity, vessels would use their own diesel-powered auxiliary engines to power refrigerated containers, pumps, lighting, air conditioning and computers while at dock.

Activities at Port Metro Vancouver generate 132,700 total jobs across Canada and $10.5 billion in gross domestic product. The port hosted 254 cruise ship visits in 2008. Each cruise ship that docks in Vancouver is said to contribute $2 million to the local economy.