Cruise Ships Docking in Red Hook Can Now Plug Into Onshore Power Grid

By Kings County Politics News Service

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN — A new "shore power" system at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal along Red Hook's waterfront is fully operational and ready for ships to connect, the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced last week.

Shore power, also known as “cold ironing,” enables ships to turn off their diesel engines while at port and connect to the local electrical grid to power all onboard services — including lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and elevators/escalators.

By conserving fuel that would otherwise be used to power the vessels while in port, the shore power system will reduce air pollution from cruise vessel emissions, city officials said — eliminating 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide, 95 tons of nitrous oxide and 6.5 tons of particulate matter annually. And the health benefits associated with improved air quality are expected to generate approximately $99 million in cumulative savings over 15 years.

U.S. Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (representing most of northern and western Brooklyn) and City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (representing Sunset Park and Red Hook) hailed the new system Friday.

“By reducing emissions, shore power will bring significant environmental and health benefits to our community," Velázquez said. "I am proud to see us taking this step — an important example of federal EPA dollars at work. This advancement will mean Brooklyn families and children can breathe a little easier."

Menchaca said: “Shore power is a big win for the people of Red Hook. This improvement at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal sets three important examples. First, city agencies will respond when community advocacy is strong. Second, New York can have thriving maritime operations and be environmentally responsible. Third, investments in smart infrastructure create economic benefits for the entire city."

With its new waterfront power grid, Red Hook is "setting an example we should follow in all maritime and manufacturing areas,” Menchaca said.

The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is only the second cruise terminal on the East Coast to be equipped with shore power capabilities. And the Queen Mary 2 already put it to use when she docked in Red Hook on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Pictured: The Queen Mary 2. Photo by Chris Phutully/Flickr

A version of this article originally appeared on the Kings County Politics news site