Ports of Auckland has commissioned a feasibility study to look at alternative methods for providing power to cruise ships when in port, which includes using LNG barges.
According to the port’s statement, the main alternative being studied is powering ships from the national grid.
The study will also look into a range of alternatives that include LNG or methanol-powered barges to generate ship’s power, and the use of low-sulphur fuels to reduce emissions.
Ships in port currently have to keep their generators running to supply on-board power, and the Ports of Auckland intends to reduce locally generated emissions and shipping’s carbon footprint by providing shore-based power.
Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson said, “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and having zero emissions by 2040. This work will support both those goals. Initially we will look at the feasibility of providing alternative power just for cruise ships, but we aim to extend that across the whole port longer term.”
The study is scheduled for completion by April 2017.