Port Metro Vancouver will be the first port in Canada to implement shore power for cruise ships.

Cold ironing will begin at the port at the start of the 2009 cruise season.

"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 British Columbia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Kevin Falcon.  

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

The installation will enable ships to shut down their engines and connect to BC Hydro’s electrical grid.

The installation represents a $9 million cooperative initiative among Transport Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Port Metro Vancouver, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.

“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,” said Captain Gordon Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver.