Shore power is officially launched at PortMiami

With this, PortMiami becomes the first major cruise port on the US Eastern Seaboard offering shore power capability at five cruise berths. (New York City's Brooklyn Cruise Terminal initiated shore power at its single berth in 2017.) 

'We embarked on this journey in 2021, thanks to an innovative partnership with our major cruise line partners and Florida Power & Light Company,' Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. 'Shore power is a great example of progress in tourism and clean energy converging. Together, we are creating jobs, expanding our economy and preparing to meet the dynamic needs of tomorrow.'

21 ships and more than 350 calls in year to come

In the coming year, 21 cruise ships are expected to hook up in Miami during more than 350 calls.

'We are committed to being a sustainable global gateway,' PortMiami Director/CEO Hydi Webb said, adding her thanks to the mayor, county commissioners and port partners for their 'continued support of our resilience initiatives.'

Plugging into shoreside electricity allows cruise ship engines to be switched off, reducing emissions by up to 98%. The annual emission reduction associated with the connection to shore power at one terminal is estimated equivalent to removing 7,500 cars from the road.

Cavotec supplied the mobile equipment. 

Leading the charge

Carnival Corp. & plc said it led the charge at PortMiami with Carnival Conquest the first ship to plug in.

Carnival Conquest plugging in

'This is an important milestone for our hometown and we're proud to support Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and all county and port officials for their amazing partnership in bringing shore power to PortMiami,' Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said.

Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas also hooked up. 

Carnival Corp. said it got to go first after surpassing its 2030 shore power goal in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. The company now leads the industry with 67% of its fleet (64 ships) shore power-capable, meaning it has twice as many ships able plug in than there are ports equipped to provide shore power.

Princess first in Juneau in 2001

'It's been over 20 years since our company first pioneered shore power for the cruise industry, yet adoption remains limited to just 2% of cruise ports worldwide,' noted Josh Weinstein, president/CEO of Carnival Corp. & plc.

That first shore power involved Princess Cruises in Juneau, Alaska in 2001.

An additional three Carnival Corp. ships will be outfitted with shore power capabilities this year, and a recent agreement with ABB Group will help install an additional 30 shore power connections on company vessels over the next few years.

From left, PortMiami Director Hydi Webb, Royal Caribbean's Jason Liberty, Miami-Dade Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, CLIA's Kelly Craighead, Carnival's Josh Weinstein, NCLH's Harry Sommer, Virgin Voyages' Michelle Bentubo

Besides Weinstein, other cruise leaders on hand Monday included Royal Caribbean Group CEO Josh Weinstein, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Harry Sommer, MSC Cruises USA Chairman Rick Sasso, Virgin Voyages Chairman Tom McAlpin and COO Michelle Bentubo and Cruise Lines International Association CEO Kelly Craighead.