Cunard has fitted shore power connection equipment to its fleet of three ships.
The cruise line’s fourth ship, ‘Queen Anne’, is set to undertake her maiden voyage in May, 2024, and will have the technology installed before she sails.
Shore power technology enables berthed ships to connect directly to a specially fitted land-based system, allowing the ships to switch off their engines and operate on electricity sourced entirely from the local grid, thus reducing emissions and noise while in port.
The ability for ships to plug in to local grids exists at many key ports, including ‘Queen Mary 2’s’ homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, New York and ‘Queen Anne’s’ homeport in Southampton, England.
Katie McAlister, Cunard President, said: “By adopting shore power technology, we are taking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reducing emissions, minimising our carbon footprint, and fostering healthier port environments.
“The introduction of shore power technology aligns seamlessly with Cunard’s corporate vision and values, and we are proud to be able to take such a positive step,” she said.
