NSW takes significant step towards reducing cruise ship pollution

October 1, 2024

Environment / Technology / Tourism /

In an Australian-first, New South Wales is taking a huge step towards reducing cruise ship pollution by awarding a $20 million contract to begin the landmark Shore Power project at White Bay Cruise Terminal.

The contract for the charger at White Bay berth 5 has been awarded to global leader in shore power technology, Powercon, with initial work to prepare the site set to begin by the end of 2024.

Shore Power is wharf-side infrastructure that provides cruise ships with electricity by connecting to a landside charger, which results in fewer emissions as the engine does not have to stay running while docked.

This marks a huge step towards reducing cruise ship pollution, ensuring the cruise industry can be more sustainable and continue to thrive in NSW.

This will be the first major shore power infrastructure in southern hemisphere and the carbon emissions reduction this project at White Bay will achieve is equivalent to taking 1,100 cars off Sydney’s roads or planting 20,000 trees each year.

It comes as the summer cruise season officially kicks off in NSW, with the arrival of Diamond Princess into Sydney harbour on Thursday morning and the Pacific Adventure at White Bay on Friday morning.

The latest data shows the cruise industry contributed $2.75 billion to the NSW economy in 2022-23 and created approximately 9,000 jobs.

This project means cleaner air and less noise for the residents of Balmain and Rozelle, with the precinct and population expected to grow in the coming decade as the Bays Metro West opens and much-needed housing is delivered.

Shore Power is estimated to reduce emissions associated with the White Bay precinct by over 4,000 tonnes every year.

The move puts Sydney on par with other global cities adopting this technology, such as in Europe, where shoreside electricity will be mandatory at all main ports from 2030.

With critical equipment in high demand, the White Bay Cruise Terminal Shore Power project is targeted for completion by late 2026.

Once operational in 2026, it will be mandatory for any ship that docks at White Bay Cruise Terminal that is shore power enabled to use available shore power. The vast majority of ships that use White Bay are already shore power enabled.

Port Authority will determine the best mechanism to implement the shore power mandate, likely to be through contract obligations with its cruise industry partners.

The NSW Government is leading the rollout of Shore Power at other ports across Australia by supporting the development of Australian Standards that will inform future projects.

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3rd April 2024 - Cruise Passengers give top ranking to Cairns Aquarium educational tour

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30th October 2023 - Darwin to experience its largest cruise ship season

10th September 2023 - Future Market Insights spotlights rapid rise of cruise tourism market

28th August 2023 - COVID cruise ship protocols lifted for NSW

13th July 2023 - WTTC urges governments to support United Nations’ revised strategy for sustainable Cruise Shipping

8th June 2023 - Sunreef announces array of whale watching cruises for the season

9th April 2023 - Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors enhance tourism experience in Whitsundays

2nd April 2023 - P&O Cruises mark 90th anniversary and add Townsville to port calls

2nd February 2023 - Sydney Symphony Orchestra partners with Royal Caribbean global cruise holiday company

1st December 2022 - Major economic boost anticipated for Sunshine Coast with arrival of cruise ships

17th September 2022 - Cruise ships return to Victoria along with direct international flights

16th September 2022 - Princess Cruises and Xponential Fitness sign Exclusive License Agreement

14th September 2022 - Red Raion partners with Leisure Expert Group to create immersive attraction for AIDA cruise ship

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