Shore power has arrived for ships docked at PortMiami, and today, Carnival Conquest represented Carnival Corporation & plc at a celebratory event announcing it will be the first cruise ship to plug into landside electrical power at the cruise capital of the world.
A Milestone for Sustainability
Through an industry partnership between Miami-Dade County, Florida Power & Light Company, and several cruise lines including Carnival Corporation, PortMiami has become the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard to offer shore power connections at five cruise berths. This development marks a significant step in the industry's efforts to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability.
The Carnival Conquest being used for Carnival Corporation's most recent sustainability efforts
"This is an important milestone for our hometown and we're proud to support Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and all county and port officials for their amazing partnership in bringing shore power to PortMiami," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "We continue to implement important initiatives that have kept us ahead of our ambitious goals to reduce emissions, and this new shore power capability will allow our ships to rely on the electrical grid to power our ships while in port."
Leading the Charge
Carnival Conquest's selection for the inaugural connection at PortMiami follows Carnival Corporation's achievement of surpassing its 2030 shore power goal in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. With 67% of its fleet shore power-capable, Carnival Corporation now leads the industry, having twice as many ships able to "plug in" than there are ports equipped to provide shore power.
"Using shoreside electricity to power our ships in port is an integral part of our global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and minimise our environmental footprint," said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "It's been over 20 years since our company first pioneered shore power for the cruise industry, yet adoption remains limited to just 2% of cruise ports worldwide. We applaud PortMiami for having the vision to recognize shore power as vital to the future of our industry and the planet, and for being at the forefront of their peer group in delivering this capability to cruise ships."
Energy Efficiency and Reduced Fuel Use
Shore power is an efficient way for cruise operators to switch off ship engines while in port and "plug in" to use energy from the local electric grid to power onboard systems and equipment. This method can reduce total emissions by up to 98%, depending on the mix of energy sources. Carnival Corporation is committed to connecting to shoreside electricity in port when it is available and operationally feasible, and the company is working closely with ports around the world to prioritise investment in this important capability.
Carnival Corporation's Current Achievements
Carnival Corporation's shore power accomplishments include:
- Two-thirds of the company's global fleet – 64 ships – are equipped with shore power capabilities and are ready to "plug in" where port connections to electric power are available.
- Nearly half of its global portfolio of world-class cruise lines boast fleets that are 100% shore power-capable.
- An additional three ships will be outfitted with shore power capabilities this year, and a recent agreement with Switzerland-based technology company ABB Group will help install an additional 30 shore power connections onboard Carnival Corporation ships over the next few years.
Shore power is one of many emission reduction technologies Carnival Corporation utilises to reduce fuel use as part of its overall decarbonization strategy and pursuit of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Thanks to aggressive and ongoing actions taken throughout the fleet, Carnival Corporation is producing over 10% less total GHG emissions today than in 2011, despite increasing capacity by roughly 30% in that time.
Embrace Sustainable Travel with S.W. Black Travel
Carnival Corporation's launch of shore power at PortMiami marks a significant advancement in reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in the cruise industry. With initiatives like this, they continue to lead the charge in environmental responsibility.
For expert travel advice, quotes, or to discuss your future travel plans, please connect with one of our travel advisers. Our dedicated consultants are ready to help you create unforgettable, sustainable travel experiences. With S.W. Black Travel, you can embark on journeys that respect the planet and fulfil your travel dreams.
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