Below is from a Press Release from Princess Cruises
Princess Ships Will Connect to Shore Power at the Port of Los Angeles
in 2008
SAN PEDRO, Calif.
Demonstrating Princess' ongoing dedication to helping clear the air in
the port cities from which its ships sail, Princess has signed an
agreement committing to turning off the engines of its vessels when
they dock at the Port of Los Angeles and "plugging in" to clean
electrical power. The Port of Los Angeles' shore power capability will
be available for use in 2008, and the technology is already available
on the Princess ships which will call there.
The project is similar to the shore power program Princess debuted in
Juneau, Alaska in 2001 and in Seattle, Washington in 2005. Next year,
the busiest port in the United States will come online with this
program designed to reduce air emissions.
The new shore power agreement is part of the Port of Los Angeles'
Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) Program. Princess has been actively
engaged in the development of shore power capabilities at the Port,
and has provided technical support for the program. Shore power, also
known as "cold ironing," enables ships to turn off their diesel
engines and connect to electric power that travels to the ship from a
specially designed transformer. As a result, shore-based electricity
runs all onboard services during the day-long calls.
"We're extremely pleased and proud to be expanding our commitment to
using shore power wherever the landside technology is available, which
will now include the Port of Los Angeles next year," said Alan
Buckelew, President of Princess Cruises. "We're dedicated to making
this connection program a success, just as we're dedicated to the
local air quality issues that are important to the community."
"The Port of Los Angeles is committed to the concept of using clean
shoreside electrical power for ships at berth," said Geraldine Knatz,
Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. "We're the only port in
the world to plug-in containerships, and we are very excited to be
working with Princess to use this technology on cruise ships as well."
In November 2006, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach approved an
unprecedented joint action to improve air quality in the South Coast
Air Basin called the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The sweeping
five-year plan is a blueprint for the ports to significantly reduce
the health risks posed by air pollution from port-related ships,
trains, trucks, terminal equipment and harbor craft. Considered a
"living document," the plan allows for updating as new technologies
and processes become available. As part of the CAAP, the ports will be
utilizing electrical shore power whenever possible, as the latest
agreement with Princess demonstrates.
Princess' shore power program made history when it first began
operations in Juneau in the summer of 2001. The innovative program
expanded to Seattle in summer 2005, and the technology is now featured
on 10 ships which are equipped to use local hydroelectric power. All
Princess ships currently sailing from the Port of Los Angeles are
fully equipped and ready to plug into shore power when it debuts
there.
To create this unusual power system, Princess has outfitted its ships
with a custom-built state-of-the-art electrical connection cabinet
that automatically connects the ship's electrical network to the local
electrical network ashore. The electrical power is transmitted from
the landside transformer to the vessel via four, 3 1/2-inch diameter,
flexible electrical cables. The actual cable connection on the vessel
is a traditional, though quite large, male/female plug and socket.
"When we first developed shore power, it was a challenging project
because it was the first of its kind and there was no existing
blueprint we could use. Now with Juneau and Seattle operating
successfully for several years, we can share our expertise with the
Port of Los Angeles to help bring this successful environmental
initiative to Southern California," added Buckelew.
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global
cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern ships renowned
for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining,
entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of
exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide
cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to
the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven
continents, ranging in length from seven to 30 days. The company is
part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).
Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines.
Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland
America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts
of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment
to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching
cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
About the Port of Los Angeles:
Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is
America's premier port. As the leading seaport in the nation in terms
of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates
259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax
revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the
Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. At the
Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible growth
initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship
and community outreach. For its industry leading environmental
initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency
awards in 2006. The Port of Los Angeles -- A cleaner port. A brighter
future.
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