(EAST BOSTON, Mass.) — The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has announced a $60 million investment for shore power, a significant step forward for sustainable maritime practices at the Port of Boston, benefiting both cruise industry partners and the surrounding community.
Massport has been planning to bring ship-to-shore power to its Flynn Cruiseport for some time. CEO Rich Davey said that Massport will install shore power at the two main berths, allowing nearly 80 percent of the ships that currently serve Boston to plug into shore power or use an alternative low-carbon technology.
“With record-breaking passenger numbers at Flynn Cruiseport, Boston is thriving like never before. As we continue to grow, adopting clean technologies becomes even more crucial for meeting our climate goals,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “For both visitors and locals, Massport’s investment in shore power is a significant step forward – reducing fossil fuel use while ships are docked and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative highlights Massachusetts’ leadership and pride in taking bold action against climate change.”
When ships use shore power, they tap landside electricity for their power needs at berth – lights, pumps, communications, and refrigeration – instead of running diesel-fueled auxiliary onboard engines. The project is expected to be completed by 2029.
“By bringing shore power to these busy berths, Massport is taking a giant step toward reducing health-harming pollutants from this industry and illustrating that health and environmental protection go hand in hand with expanding economic opportunity,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “As we continue rapidly to shift our power sector away from fossil fuels, shore power will get even cleaner over time.”
Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculator, Massport expects the following net reductions in emissions for any vessel running on shore power while at Flynn Cruiseport:
• Nitrogen oxide (NOx): 93 percent reduction
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2): 85 percent reduction
• Particulate matter (PM) 2.5: 86 percent reduction
• Carbon dioxide (CO2): 65 percent reduction
The 2024 cruise season started in March and ended in early November. Massport set a record with just over 480,000 passengers, a 29 percent increase over last year. Flynn Cruiseport welcomed 167 cruise ships this season – 18 more ships and a 12 percent increase over 2023.
– Massachusetts Port Authority
