Valiant Lady makes Virgin Voyages’ first European shore-power connection
The ship plugged into Portsmouth International Port’s new system, allowing its engines to be switched off while alongside.
Valiant Lady has become the first Virgin Voyages ship to use shore power in Europe after connecting to Portsmouth International Port’s newly introduced system.
According to the port’s report, the connection enables the vessel to draw electricity supplied entirely from renewable sources through the grid while docked. With its engines switched off, the ship can reduce emissions while alongside and help improve local air quality.
Three of the cruise line’s four Lady Ships are fitted with shore-power equipment. Those vessels can turn off their engines and use electricity from land where compatible port infrastructure is available.
Portsmouth is also reported to be the first European port to have received all four vessels in the Virgin Voyages fleet: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady. The city now hosts the company’s first shore-power connection in Europe.
Andrew Williamson of Portsmouth International Port said Valiant Lady was expected to use the system during three calls that month, extending the anticipated emissions and air-quality benefits across those visits.
