Italian port cities are planning to connect large ships like cruise liners to the grid while they're berthed to cut fuel consumption and potentially slash carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent and nitrogen oxides and particulate pollution by more than 95 percent.
Venice, Paolo Costa, La Spezia and Lorenzo Forcieri are all expected to install new equipment to allow the ships to plug in to shore-side electricity. Other cities around the world are experimenting with the same idea, including Los Angeles and Goteborg, Sweden, hoping to eliminate the fuel needs and emissions of onboard generators.
The Italian electricity utility Enel foresees large reductions in pollution and fuel consumption from the practice, but since so far only a few ships are compatible with on-shore electricity, we won't know the full benefits until ports and ships are equipped and the generators are turned off.
via Green Inc.
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written by Marie T, February 03, 2010
I think that cruise ships need to get on board with the plan rather than cities. If the ships aren't equiped it doesn't make a lot of sense. Maybe they should pass laws that require ships to be electrically compatable within the next couple of years in order to stay in their waters, or offer to help them with this process.
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written by Ben R, February 03, 2010
But how do those cities get power? In many cases it is from burning fossil fuels so how much better would that be?
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written by marlyn, February 03, 2010
this is great news. countries will take now and sooner rather than later these big ships will do their part in decreasing CO2. Honestly I dont know why such big machines have not come to mind before for me. I guess is because I live in NYC and I dont see them ever...but I am happy for Italy! viva Italia!
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written by Ryan, February 04, 2010
A much better idea is for new ships to be nuclear powered rather than bunker oil powered. This way there are ZERO carbon emissions and the possibility that the ship could plug into a port's grid connection and provide power to the city.
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written by Julian, February 04, 2010
Ben R, it would be really MUCH better. Not only because a relevant portion of power generation in several European countries is coming from renewable sources already, but because that tendency is only growing.
You may ask where do they get their power *now*. But think ahead, don't fixate to the present.
You may ask where do they get their power *now*. But think ahead, don't fixate to the present.
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written by Toonster, February 06, 2010
In Rotterdam they do that with container ships, it´s better for the environment, cause the ship´s engines are less efficient than most coal-powerplants for example
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written by Jacob, February 10, 2010
I wonder if its possible to build and electric powered cruise ship...
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written by David Nicholson-Cole, February 11, 2010
How would you feel if a nuclear powered ship is captured by Somali pirates, and instead of being ransomed, is either sold/given to Iran, or is deliberately scuttled in a sensitive water location like the straits of Gibralter or the gulf of hormuz? Nuclear powered ships are only safe in very very secure hands.
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written by richard Davine, February 11, 2010
I agree with David, Nukes on the seas are even worse than on land and the nuclear cycle produces heaps of CO2 EXCEPT the actual reaction itself, ie mining, transport, refining, reprocessing and storage.
This is however a fantastic idea as even coal fired power stations are much more efficient than ship engines, but as renewables replace coal the CO2 savings can only increase.
As I work at Station Pier in Port Melbourne I can also guarantee that the locals would benefit from less diesel in the air for less of the time and it is a grand opportunity for all Piers everywhere to generate more income from renewables.
This is however a fantastic idea as even coal fired power stations are much more efficient than ship engines, but as renewables replace coal the CO2 savings can only increase.
As I work at Station Pier in Port Melbourne I can also guarantee that the locals would benefit from less diesel in the air for less of the time and it is a grand opportunity for all Piers everywhere to generate more income from renewables.
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written by Cruise, May 18, 2010
Nukes on the seas are even worse than on land and the nuclear cycle produces heaps of CO2 EXCEPT the actual reaction itself, ie mining, transport, refining, reprocessing and storage. This is however a fantastic idea as even coal fired power stations are much more efficient than ship engines, but as renewables replace coal the CO2 savings can only increase.
As I work at Station Pier in Port Melbourne I can also guarantee that the locals would benefit from less diesel in the air for less of the time and it is a grand opportunity for all Piers everywhere to generate more income from renewables.
As I work at Station Pier in Port Melbourne I can also guarantee that the locals would benefit from less diesel in the air for less of the time and it is a grand opportunity for all Piers everywhere to generate more income from renewables.
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written by Costa Cruceros, June 01, 2010
Mainland grid electricity does come with a big environmental cost, both in generation and transmission, but this can be minimized and controlled, and even reduced by using renewable sources. So on balance, the scheme is a winner.
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