CRUISE
SHOREPOWER BOOSTS GREENER CRUISING
Photo: GPH
The Government of Malta is installing new shore power at Valletta Cruise Port to preserve the local environment and enhance the attractiveness of visiting cruise ships, writes Michele Witthaus
Valletta Cruise Port is the gateway to Malta's capital, welcoming more than half a million cruise passengers each year into a city that is often described as an open-air museum. “The Grand Harbour is not just a passenger port: it is a multiuse destination,” says Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port. “The port is home to many residents, the workplace of many others and a place of relaxation for locals and tourists alike: There are age-old historical sites, walking promenades, entertainment zones, office buildings and even beaches in this strategic port,” says Mr Xuereb. “Thus, any activity within the port is a juggling game which requires careful planning and management.” SLASHING EMISSIONS Impressive new shore power facilities will add to the existing drawcards of Valletta over the next few years, helping reduce cruise ship emissions in the port. Mr Xuereb explains: “This is a project spearheaded by Infrastructure Malta and the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Transport Malta and supported by Valletta Cruise Port with investment to the tune of €49.9 million. Valletta's Grand Harbour will be one of the European leaders in shore-supply provision for cruise ships.” Work commenced in November 2020, and is ongoing on a number of quays around the port. The project will result in major air quality improvements with drastic reductions in emissions in the Grand Harbour. “This innovative system will make it possible to reduce the emissions of pollutant gases by over 40 tons a year, the equivalent of continuous circulation of over 4 million vehicles,” says Mr Xuereb. “Specifically, the port will be able to reduce SOx, NOx, CO2 and PM emissions.” This project will ramp up the port's capacity to meet ambitious targets for reducing the port's carbon footprint. The carbon dioxide emissions reduction will have a positive impact
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8 Valletta Cruise Port with the historic city of Valletta in the background
on the Grand Harbour's carbon footprint, helping Malta reach its greenhouse gases reduction targets. It is estimated that Malta will save millions in costs linked to the measurable consequences of air pollution, such as savings on medical expenses related to respiratory illnesses and other related conditions, savings on air pollution mitigation measures to protect the natural environment, savings on infrastructure maintenance, including cleaning and restoration of building facades and improvements in agriculture. Other welcome benefits include reductions in noise pollution and vibrations. “By switching off their engines during their stay in Malta and switching to shore power, ships will be able to cut most of their noise pollution and related vibrations, contributing to an enhanced quality of life in this area for residents, workers and visitors.”
It is estimated that Malta will save millions in costs linked to the measurable consequences of air pollution, such as savings on medical expenses related to respiratory illnesses and other related conditions As an added bonus, the shore power project will indirectly help in the conservation of historic buildings in the area. “Millions of Euros are invested annually in the restoration of the numerous historical buildings and fortifications surrounding the Grand Harbour,” says Mr Xuereb. “This project is also contributing to the long-term conservation of these invaluable buildings.” The positive outcomes of the initiatives underway at the port will have impacts in the wider region, too. As a signatory to
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