Completion of a shore power project at Port of Montréal will reduce air pollution

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, is delivering on the Government of Canada's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and to embrace new technologies to improve Canadians' lives.

Through its Shore Power Technology for Ports contribution program, the Government of Canada contributed $5 million to the Port of Montréal Authority's shore power project.

The newly completed project will reduce greenhouse gas emission by enabling ships to shut down their diesel engines, and connect to an electrical grid supplied by renewable energy sources. Shore power is an effective way of reducing air emissions and improving local air quality.

By providing ship operators with an alternative to running diesel auxiliary engines while docked, shore power technology also reduces ship owners' fuel costs which increases the competitiveness of Canadian ports.

Including the Port of Montréal's shore power project, five projects have been completed across Canada since the program was launched. The Government of Canada is also funding the installation of shore power facilities for container vessels at two terminals at the Port of Vancouver.

Quote

"The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient and green transportation system. By taking action to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, we are improving the lives of Canadians while investing in the future of cleaner transportation. New and emerging technologies are laying the groundwork for Canada's present and future economic growth. "

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

    --  The project will help reduce approximately 2,800 tonnes per year of
        greenhouse gas emission. This represents removing 700 trucks of the
        road.
    --  This technology allows ships to benefit from a cleaner, powerful source
        of energy at a lower cost.
    --  The Government of Quebec and Montréal Port Authority have also
        contributed to the project, for a total project cost of $11 million.
    --  Canada's Shore Power Technology for Ports program is providing up to
        $27.2 million to Canadian port authorities, terminal operators and ferry
        operators to support the deployment of marine shore power technology.
    --  This initiative also supports the implementation of North American
        Emission Control Area requirements to use cleaner fuels.
    --  There are four other shore power projects that have been completed
        across the country since the launch of the federal program:
        --  Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's cruise shore power upgrade and
            expansion at Canada Place;
        --  Seaspan Ferry's Swartz Bay Terminal in British Columbia;
        --  Port of Halifax's shore power system for cruise ships;
        --  BC Ferry Services Inc. -- upgraded 10 shore power installations and
            added 2 new connections.

Related Links

    --  Shore Power Technology for Ports Program
    --  Transportation 2030

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SOURCE Transport Canada