Prince Rupert, B.C. – Ottawa is providing $2.5 million for a green initiative at the Port of Prince Rupert.

Asia Pacific Gateway Minister Stockwell Day says the investment will help the Fairview Terminal to provide shore power capacity to container ships through an electric cable management system, allowing ships to power down their auxiliary diesel engines and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Prince Rupert will be the first Canadian port to offer shore power.

“This project will promote greener freight transportation alternatives for Canadians and significantly improve local air quality,” said Minister Day.

The project should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 4,000 tonnes and criteria air contaminants by 160 tonnes annually by enabling container ships to shut down their engines and connect to the port’s electrical grid while docked. Ottawa and the Port say they are responding to calls from shippers that want to see green port services.

Transport Canada, under the Marine Shore Power Program, will contribute $1.8 million to the project. This funding is in addition to $700,000 contributed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, $200,000 from the Government of British Columbia, and $900,000 from the PRPA and its partners, CN Rail and Maher Terminals.

Electrical connections will be made through a Cavotec dock connector pit and include a cable management system that will power ships directly. B.C. Hydro will supply power through its existing 69-kilovolt distribution line.

Construction of the $3.6 million project is expected to be complete in early 2011.