Princess Cruises is celebrating the 25th anniversary since it completed the industry’s first hydroelectric shore power connection in Juneau, Alaska, in 2001.
In that time, nearly 1,725 shore power connections were made, 123,668,490 million kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power used and 84,533.60 metric tons of emissions avoided, the cruise line said in a statement.
Since then, shore power has been adopted at 41 cruise ports around the world.
The cruise line and the City and Borough of Juneau and Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) have continued working together ever since to connect cruise ships to Juneau’s local hydroelectric power grid and shut down their engines while in port.
“For 25 years, our partnership with the City and Borough of Juneau and Alaska Electric Light & Power has demonstrated what’s possible when industry, government and local communities work together toward a common goal,” noted Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises.
“Together, we’ve helped pioneer a technology that has transformed cruise operations around the world while delivering meaningful environmental and community benefits in Alaska. Protecting the destinations our guests love to explore has always been part of who we are, and we’re proud to continue building on that legacy. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to investing in innovations that support the future of cruising in the Great Land.”
Today, Princess ships continue to connect to shore power in Juneau whenever available, using locally generated hydroelectric power while in port.
The cruise line added that it continues to invest in technologies and operational practices to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions throughout its fleet.
“For 25 years, Princess Cruises has been an exceptional partner in making shore power a reality in Juneau,” commented Alec Mesdag, president and chief executive officer, Alaska Electric Light & Power.
“Connecting cruise ships to our small, isolated electric grid requires innovation, trust and close collaboration, and Princess has embraced that challenge from the very beginning. Together, we’ve reduced emissions, improved air quality, benefited our community and helped establish Juneau as a global leader in shore power.”
