September 29th 2024.
The government of New South Wales is investing a large sum of $20 million into the development of White Bay Cruise Terminal in Balmain, with the aim of making docked cruise ships more environmentally friendly. Soon, construction will commence on the groundbreaking Shore Power project, located in the inner-west of Sydney. This project will provide cruise ships with electric chargers, allowing them to switch off their engines while docked.
The implementation of these new powered ports will greatly reduce emissions and noise pollution, especially in one of the busiest ports in the country. It is estimated that Shore Power will result in a decrease of over 4000 tonnes of emissions every year at White Bay, providing residents of Balmain and Rozelle with cleaner air and less noise disturbance. Danish company Powercon was awarded the $20 million contract for this project, and work is expected to begin by late 2024.
The electric port is projected to be fully operational by 2026 and it will be mandatory for all ships at White Bay to use shore power. Fortunately, the majority of ships that currently stop at White Bay are already equipped to do so. This will be the first shore power infrastructure of its kind in Australia, following in the footsteps of Europe where all essential ports will be required to use shoreside electricity by 2030.
In the meantime, residents of Balmain can look forward to a quieter and cleaner environment, thanks to the efforts of NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen. She believes that this project is a positive step towards making the cruise ship industry more environmentally friendly. In her words, "This will be the first major shore power infrastructure in the southern hemisphere, and the carbon emissions reduction achieved at White Bay is equivalent to taking 1100 cars off Sydney's roads or planting 20,000 trees each year."
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek also expressed her support for this project, acknowledging the long wait that Balmain residents have endured for a solution to the noise and environmental pollution caused by cruise ships docked in White Bay. She believes that this investment will greatly benefit the community and improve the quality of life for all those living in the area.
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