Vessel Shore Power
U.S. ports today are growing significantly, due to expansion of the Panama Canal and increased trade around the world; however, the high levels of harmful emissions that accompany this growth are not properly accounted for or mitigated. Port growth without an emphasis on substantially reducing overall air pollution emissions is unsustainable and irresponsible.
There are many proven ways to reduce emissions from ports — and Friends of the Earth is working to safeguard public health in and around ports by urging ports to implement alternative power measures. Read more…
Switching off vessel auxiliary engines at port and connecting to shoreside electrical power would eliminate toxic air emissions.
Friends of the Earth’s oceans team is focused on safeguarding public health and our oceans by calling for shore power — a technology that connects docked ocean vessels to the electric grid, allowing ships to turn off their diesel engines when not at sea.
Friends of the Earth’s analysis shows how South Carolina’s Port of Charleston could massively reduce its air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by using shore power technology!