Schneider Electric Canada has announced that the Port of Montreal Shore Power system for the new Alexandra Pier has been commissioned.
On 12th August, the Holland America Cruise Ship ‘Veendam’ shut down her diesel engines after docking at the new cruise terminal located in Old Montreal. The ship was connected to the electrical power grid to provide the necessary power to the ship while in port. As a result, all air pollution caused by the ship’s diesel engines was effectively eliminated.
The total cost of the project was $11 mill with funding coming from the Federal Government, the Quebec Provincial Government, as well as the Montreal Port Authority (MPA).
“Working in concert with our various partners and improving air and water quality are among the MPA’s main guidelines for sustainable development. Now completed, this shore power project will result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, offsetting virtually all the GHG emissions for which the MPA is responsible,” said Sylvie Vachon, MPA President and CEO.
Schneider Electric committed to sustainability at COP22 Marrakech as an official partner.
Juan Macias, President of Schneider Electric Canada, said: “The Montreal Port Authority has demonstrated environmental leadership through the implementation of shore power at the new Alexandra Cruise Terminal in Old Montreal. With the support of the Federal Government and the Quebec Government, the Montreal Port Authority can be proud of this innovative and sustainable solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves the quality of life for port communities and the world at large.”
The MPA estimated that the shore power project will eliminate upwards of 2,800 tonnes of GHG annually. This is comparable to reducing the distance driven by passenger vehicles by over 10 mill km or replacing upwards of 100,000 incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, according to the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.
The Port of Montreal shore power solution represents the first cruise terminal deployment in Canada for Schneider Electric.
