Bringing shoreside power to Charleston

They argue that bringing the technology to the port’s cruise terminal will reduce emissions and improve air quality. It would also mean that it would be the first port to take advantage of shore side power in the state of South Carolina.

A spokesperson from the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) told GreenPort that Representatives Merrill and Stavrinakis continue to demonstrate their support for the port by seeking innovative ways to address community concerns.

“While we understand that shoreside power has been the focus of conversations to date, the industry is also pursuing other more modern technologies that provide equal or greater benefits. We anticipate utilising the industry’s most modern and efficient technologies at the new passenger terminal at Union Pier and applying these proposed funds, if appropriated, to implement these practices”, the spokesperson said.

But pursuing these green technologies might not be a quick process. Some have said that just installing shore side power at the terminal could cost upwards of US$5m in federal funds.

Meanwhile SCPA is driving for reduced port-related air emissions right across the board. It launched a new clean truck certification programme this month.