en.Wedoany.com Reported - The government of Quebec, Canada, has decided to provide CAD 4 million and CAD 1.1 million in financial support for the electrification projects of Pier 30 and Pier 101 at the Port of Quebec, respectively, with funds drawn from its "Maritime, Air, and Rail Transport Efficiency Program."

These two projects are key steps in building shore power infrastructure at the Port of Quebec, aimed at providing electricity for cruise ships and certain cargo vessels during berthing. Compatible ships can shut down their auxiliary engines while in port to reduce pollutant emissions.

Olga Farman, President and CEO of the Port of Quebec, stated that the provincial government's support solidifies a project crucial to the port's future. Shore power is central to the port's decarbonization strategy, improving air quality and reinforcing the port's image as a hub for the energy transition.

Bernard Drainville, Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, and Minister responsible for the Ocean Strategy, noted that the Port of Quebec is a strategic gateway for the economy. Investing in pier electrification helps modernize and sustainably develop the port while supporting environmental goals.

At Pier 30, shore power will reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to cruise ships in port by approximately 90%, or nearly 70,000 tons, over 10 years. This upgrade will also support the growth of the port's cruise market.

Pier 101 will become the first cargo-focused terminal on the St. Lawrence River to offer shore power connections, reducing fossil fuel use by hundreds of hours annually. Over 10 years, the project is expected to prevent nearly 5,600 tons of fossil fuel emissions, while improving air quality and reducing noise pollution.

This initiative makes the Port of Quebec more attractive to the cruise market and joins the development of a green shipping corridor along the Canada-New England route. The port aims to achieve electrification by 2030, alongside ports such as Montreal, Charlottetown, Halifax, Boston, and New York.

The provincial government's financial support for hydroelectric shore power benefits the Port of Quebec and the entire St. Lawrence cruise corridor. As more ports invest in such infrastructure, the region will become an increasingly attractive destination for cruise lines and their passengers.

The total cost of the Pier 30 project is estimated at CAD 23 million, with half coming from the Canadian government's Green Shipping Corridor Program announced in November 2024, CAD 4 million from the provincial government grant, and up to CAD 7.5 million from the Port of Quebec itself. Shore power is expected to be operational by fall 2028.

The Pier 101 project has a total investment of CAD 5.1 million, with the federal government covering half, the provincial government providing CAD 1.1 million, and the Port of Quebec contributing nearly CAD 1.5 million. Shore power is expected to be operational by fall 2028.