This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
New power source lets cruise ships plug in, not burn fuel
File photo: Long Beach - People stand on the bow of the Queen Mary (R) to view the Queen Mary 2 (L) as it enters Long Beach Harbor to meets her namesake ship, 23 February 2006.
(
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:50
New power source lets cruise ships plug in, not burn fuel
New power source lets cruise ships plug in, not burn fuel
The Port of Los Angeles has become the first in the world to serve three different cruise ship lines with plug-in power systems.
The systems are called alternative maritime power. They're pretty new, and they enable what harbor operators call "cold ironing" – the ships stop burning fuel and creating emissions when they're in port.
Plugging in a ship isn't like plugging in a hair dryer – while they're in port, cruise ships demand about as much power as a thousand homes do. This month, Disney Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises all plugged in instead of firing up auxiliary generators powered with diesel fuel.
Princess Cruises agreed four years ago to use dockside electric power; that cruise line has similar agreements in place in Juneau, Alaska and Seattle, Washington.
The Port of L.A.'s World Cruise Center is the only place in the world where two cruise ships can plug in at the same time. Cargo ships at the port have been able to plug in for about seven years now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
