San Diego has completed its shore power expansion at its cruise port.

For the first time, two cruise ships can now simultaneously use shore power in San Diego rather than running their diesel engines while at berth.

Previously, only one cruise vessel could plug in. On Friday, the Disney Wonder and the Insignia will be in port at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal and will be the first two cruise vessels to use shore power at the same time in San Diego, according to a press release.

According to a press release, the port is committed to being a good neighbor. Having two shore power outlets at the cruise ship terminals will result in at least a 90 percent overall reduction of harmful pollutants (while the ships are docked) such as Nitrous Oxides (NOx) and Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The port is also meeting California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations that require essentially all cruise ships calling on California ports to use shore power beginning January 1, 2023.

The port invested $4.6 million to complete this project and worked with a subcontractor to purchase equipment and for construction management, coordinating, testing, and commissioning.