The Port Authority of Québec has revealed plans for a feasibility study on cruise ship shore power at the Québec City International Cruise Forum.
The event’s fourth edition has attracted more than 100 participants to Terminal Quai 30, all focused on the sustainable development of cruising.
To ascertain the amount of energy needed for such a project, discussions are now being held with suppliers and Hydro-Québec.
Mario Girard, President and CEO of the Ports of Quebec, said: “Since the first forum in 2014, we have developed a unique model in Québec City based on partner consultation and community participation.”
This aims to keep Québec at the forefront of sustainable cruise development.
“The development of the industry and the increasing use of electrical energy have completely changed the cruise landscape in recent years,” said Girard.
“With this in mind, we are strongly considering converting our docks to shore power.
READ: Port of Québec signs carbon cutting deal
Only 30 cruise ports worldwide, or 2 per cent of all cruise ports, are prepared to power ships at the quayside, according to the Port of Québec. Québec would therefore be one of a select handful to do so.
Other ports in Canada/New England are also joining the project, leading the way in developing one of the world’s greenest cruise routes.
To ensure responsible cruise development, several other commitments were announced or reiterated at the Forum.
The port-imposed restrictions include a daily cap of 15,000 passengers and a rule prohibiting more than two simultaneous embarkations and disembarkations, save in rare circumstances.
To prevent traffic issues on busy days, pre-season meetings with operational partners will be set up, and there will be collaboration with the Special Events Coordination Center.
In order to ensure a healthy diversification of visitors, new routes and varied attractions have been proposed.
Local purchasing is actively encouraged to maximise regional economic benefits.
For 2023, 116 calls and 168,000 passengers are expected.
The number of passengers is anticipated to keep increasing and will soon reach pre-pandemic levels.
In comparison to 54 per cent in the first three months of the year, ship utilisation is anticipated to reach 90 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2022.
Most countries have ceased requiring COVID-19 testing, which has helped this recovery.
In 2019, the last full season before the pandemic, the economic impact of Québec City’s cruise industry was estimated at $106 million.
