WBT shore power a no go

THE NSW Govt has ruled out providing shore-to-ship power at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal as a means to mitigate air emissions from cruise ships.

The decision follows a study led by the Port Authority of NSW into the feasibility, cost and emissions associated with shore power which found installation would cost $36m and emissions benefits would be minimal.

Currently only 25% of all ships calling into the terminal are shore power capable and it would cost an additional $27m to retrofit the vessels for the technology.

NSW Maritime Minister Melinda Pavey noted since the introduction of low sulphur requirements in Oct 2015 at WBT, emissions of sulfur oxides had reduced by 87%, and particulate matter had reduced 69%.

The Port Authority of NSW said it supported the government’s decision, noting it would continue to work with stakeholders to address community concerns regarding cruise ship emissions.

Carnival Australia told CW the report’s recommendation “was sensible because it balanced the high cost of shore power with the likely negligible benefits of such a move”.

Between Sep 2015-Apr 2017, emission levels had been exceeded only on two occasions, both days when no cruise ship was berthed at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

One of the days was due to significant bushfire hazard reduction burning near Sydney and the second day was due to a local source of unknown origin.

“The fact that levels were exceeded on days when ships were not berthed at White Bay helps put the study’s recommendation in perspective in terms of the relative benefits of such a high cost investment,” Carnival said.