In a first in the Southern Hemisphere for a cruise terminal and a world first for a dry-bulk precinct, Port Authority of NSW is in the process of installing and supplying Shore Power in the Bays Port precinct.
By the end of 2026, Port Authority intends to invest nearly $60 million for the development of a landside electricity supply for cruise ships at the White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT), offset by renewable electricity generation.
September 2024
Port Authority obtains planning approval for White Bay Cruise Terminal shore power installation which is another major milestone for the project. The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) required for undertaking these works is found here:
Read more information on the REF.
August 2024
Port Authority awards the contract for the major package of works in delivering the first installation in the Shore Power Project at Bays Port. It includes the design, fabrication, supply and installation of shore power equipment at White Bay Cruise Terminal (White Bay berth 5 at the Bays Port precinct), and internal electrical distribution network within the port.
This is the largest package of work and marks a significant milestone in the Bays Port Shore Power project.
Once a ship is safely alongside at berth, some of their engines or generators continue to run - as ships require power to carry out their operations – whether for cargo unloading or to provide electricity for the ship’s crew and passengers, including for lighting, heating and cooling, refrigeration, cooking and food preparation, and communication systems.
When ships can plug-in to renewable electricity from the shore, this allows them to power down their auxiliary engines – reducing CO2 emissions, noise and air pollution.
The supply of certified renewable energy for Shore Power at the White Bay Cruise Terminal is estimated to achieve a reduction of up to 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum. This would be the equivalent to taking 1,100 cars off Sydney’s roads or planting 20,000 trees each year.
As well as the significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the introduction of Shore Power could see a reduction in noise from cruise ships of up to 10dB. Powering down the ships’ engines which normally burn diesel fuel will also reduce local air pollution and associated odours.
Introducing Shore Power to Bays Port precinct is one way Port Authority is helping to contribute positively to addressing climate change and reducing impacts on the local community.
The development of this project wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration and support of our industry partners. Industry and government have engaged in a joint letter of intent, as the participation of both sectors is needed to ensure the successful transition to a lower emissions future.
Our valued partners Cement Australia, CSL, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are committed to the future use of Shore Power in the Bays Port precinct and will ensure that future frequently visiting ships are capable of connecting to our Shore Power facilities.
Read the signed Letter of Intent from all co-operating industry partners.
Port Authority’s plans include 5 Shore Power connection points within the Bays Port precinct – with 4 for bulk ships at Glebe Island and 1 for cruise ships at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.
Please find the full Shore Power Considerations Report 2022 here.
Pioneering Shore Power
Hear from our Port Authority team, stakeholders and industry partners on how we've arrived at this great project and what it will mean for the future.
