Ottawa invests in shore power project at Port Charlottetown

The federal government is investing up to $14.3 million in shore power infrastructure at Port Charlottetown as part of efforts to reduce emissions in Canada’s marine transportation sector.

Steven MacKinnon announced the funding under the Green Shipping Corridor Program’s Clean Ports stream.

The project will allow ocean-going vessels docking at the port to shut down onboard engines and connect to the local electrical grid while berthed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

“Canada’s marine transportation system must be efficient, reliable, and sustainable to support a strong and competitive economy,” MacKinnon said in a statement. “Through the Green Shipping Corridor Program’s Clean Ports stream, we are investing in projects across the country, from shore power in Charlottetown to innovative solutions that reduce emissions and modernize our ports.”

Mike Cochrane, CEO of Port Charlottetown, described the investment as “a transformational step forward” for both the port and Prince Edward Island.

The federal government said transportation accounts for about 25 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, with marine shipping identified as a key area for decarbonization efforts.

The Green Shipping Corridor Program was launched as part of Canada’s commitment under the Clydebank Declaration and G7 agreements aimed at developing low- and zero-emission shipping routes.