Cruise ships burning fossil fuels emit GHG emissions that cause climate change, and cause significant local air pollution in Victoria, particularly in James Bay neighbourhoods close by the cruise terminal.
Cruise ship smoke plume descending to James Bay
Those ships need to be connected to electricity, and BC’s grid is among the cleanest in the world. Shore power was decided upon in 2020, subject to funding. Since then both the Federal and Provincial governments have committed funding.
Now is the time.
Currently, there is determination at the Federal and Provincial levels to streamline and accelerate infrastructure projects, especially for clean energy.
Federal leadership can drive this project forward and get the shore power connected. It needs to happen, without delay.
Below, please see my letter to Victoria’s newly elected Liberal MP, Will Greaves.
Note that there are other challenges, as well as benefits,* associated with the cruise ships. Shore power won’t address every issue, but it will have a positive impact on our GHG emissions, and for James Bay air quality.
* I hope that cruise industry critics and participants can get together to discuss these matters, share information, and agree on the facts, the disputes and where changes are needed. Some of the challenges I’ve heard – apart from GHG and air pollution emissions from ships – include: solid waste disposal, scrubber wastewater dumping, air and noise pollution from ground transportation servicing ships and passengers, and limited local economic activity per passenger.