Shore Side Power for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

Representing the member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we acknowledge the initiative to install shore power at the cruise ship terminal in Victoria.

With this, we see alignment between the Government of Canada’s commitment to achieving net‐zero emissions by 2050, and the goal of averting the worst impacts of climate change, with the goals of cruise industry. The project and its expected impacts are in line and highly relevant to the commitments of our ocean‐going member cruise lines as one of the pathways contributing to a more sustainable cruise sector, including investment in Shore Side Electricity capable ships and the development of alternative fuels. This is a goal that will require support and engagement from all parts of society, including provinces and territories, cities, and industry.

We are proud to be a partner, not only with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Canada’s busiest cruise port of call, but wherever clean local power can be utilized. Working together is the most effective way to realize shore power at Canadian ports. Providing shore power for vessels requires sophisticated systems and represents significant financial investment by all involved. Despite financial and other challenges posed by the current COVID‐19 pandemic, the member lines agree that the installation of and use of shore power is an important path forward to realize the collective objectives of addressing climate change.

In this the member lines of CLIA recently announced that all CLIA member cruise lines have committed to equip their ships to connect to shore side electricity facilities wherever available at ports ‐ as soon as possible, and no later than 2035 – or will have ships able to use alternative low‐carbon technologies, as available, to reduce emissions when in port.

There are many details to be worked out and be addressed going forward, including port infrastructure investments, financing, and a timeline for availability of electrical power infrastructure.

On behalf of the member lines, CLIA is pleased to support the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority in the first critical steps toward securing all the necessary support, including the process of receiving the commitment from public and private sectors, to move this environmental initiative forward.

Sincerely, Kelly Craighead President & CEO