Harper government to help more ships reduce emissions, improve air quality

OTTAWA, April 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced that the Harper government is launching a second round of funding under the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program to improve air quality at Canadian ports.

Shore power is a highly effective way to reduce marine diesel air emissions by enabling ships to shut down their engines and connect to the local electrical grid in order to power their on-board systems while docked.

"This technology will improve local air quality by reducing air pollution from ships in some of Canada's largest urban centres," said Minister Lebel. "By funding more shore power projects, our government is taking concrete action to reduce air emissions and improve the health of Canadians."

Canadian port authorities and private organizations engaged in operating and/or owning marine ports and terminals in Canada are encouraged to apply for funding by September 30, 2013. A guide for applicants and additional information is available on Transport Canada's website at www.tc.gc.ca/sptp.

Announced in January 2012, the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program is a $27.2-million contribution program which supports cost-shared projects. The federal government will provide up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs - up to a maximum contribution of $5 million per project.

Under the first funding round announced in May 2012, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $5 million to the Port of Halifax to implement shore power for cruise ships, beginning with the 2014 cruise season. Also under the first funding round, Seaspan Ferries Corporation is receiving approximately $88,000 to install shore power at the Swartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island.  Additional projects under the first round of funding will be announced in the coming months.

Funding for the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program was provided under the Clean Transportation Initiatives in Budget 2011 as part of the renewal of the Government of Canada's Clean Air Agenda. The Clean Transportation Initiatives focus on aligning Canadian regulations with those in the United States and with international standards, improving the efficiency of the transportation system, and advancing green technologies through programs such as Shore Power Technology for Ports. These initiatives will help Canada achieve its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020.

SOURCE: Transport Canada