In an Australian first, NSW is charging up for a cleaner cruise industry with the Shore Power project.

Shore Power is wharf-side infrastructure that provides cruise ships with electricity by connecting to a landside charger, resulting in fewer emissions as engines do not have to stay running while vessels are docked.

The project marks a major step towards reducing cruise ship pollution, ensuring the cruise industry can be more sustainable and continue to thrive in NSW.

The Bays precinct encompasses Blackwattle Bay, Wentworth Park, Glebe Island, White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle Railyards and White Bay Power Station.

The Shore Power project will enable cruise ships to switch from diesel engines to shoreside electricity, offset by renewable energy generation, at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

With an investment of approximately $60 million and the project set for completion by the end of 2026, it will the first terminal in the Southern Hemisphere to offer shore power.

The demolition of the White Bay 5 Administration and Canteen buildings is now complete. This cleared space will soon host cutting-edge electrical equipment and infrastructure for the shore power project.

Shore Power will use seawater to help keep the electrical equipment cool. This means it doesn’t need traditional air conditioning, resulting in lower electricity use and quieter operation.

Construction work is set to commence shortly on the civil works for the shore power infrastructure. This phase will involve the construction of trenches, pits, and conduits to house the shore power infrastructure.

Powercon has been working on the design and fabrication of the shore power equipment. All critical long lead items such as switchgears, transformer and mobile shore power outlets have passed their factory testing. Other key shore power components will be assembled and tested in the coming months prior to delivery to Sydney.

Once operational, it will be mandatory for any ship that docks at White Bay Cruise Terminal that is shore power enabled to use available shore power. Most ships that use White Bay are already shore power enabled.