White Bay shore-power project moves toward completion
Cruise ships could begin connecting to the terminal’s onshore electricity supply during the season.
Installation of the onshore power supply at White Bay was underway during the week covered by the report. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, meaning cruise ships could begin using shore power during the season.
Shore-power connectivity enables cruise ships to switch off their engines while berthed, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The report estimates the system will reduce carbon emissions by more than 4000 tonnes annually, an impact described as equivalent to removing 1100 vehicles from roads in New South Wales.
Port Authority of NSW chief executive John McKenna said 10 shipping containers hold the transformers, converters and switchgear needed to supply electricity to visiting cruise ships.
Port Authority of NSW project director Fauzan Zulkhepli said the cooling system takes water from Sydney Harbour and moves it through heat exchangers to regulate temperatures. He said this removes the need for traditional large-scale mechanical cooling systems, helping to reduce energy consumption and noise.