The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has withdrawn from plans to install shore power at Ogden Point, citing prohibitive costs despite federal and provincial funding commitments.
Initially promoted as a major environmental upgrade allowing cruise ships to shut down their engines while docked, the project was supported by CA$9 million from the province in 2023 and CA$22.5 million from the federal government announced earlier this year. That financial support remains available until 2028.
According to GVHA Chair Mark Mawhinney, however, the authority could not shoulder its portion of the remaining cost, which had risen far beyond early projections. The feasibility study identified three possible systems—an electrical substation, a hybrid battery storage network, or floating LNG barges—with costs ranging between CA$92.5 million and CA$159 million. The least expensive option would still require a major powerline extension from Topaz Park to Ogden Point, while the most complex, the hybrid system, offered limited emissions reductions at greater expense.
Mawhinney explained that as a non-profit organization responsible for maintaining community assets such as the Ogden Point Breakwater, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Inner Harbour marinas, the GVHA must prioritize existing infrastructure needs. More than CA$100 million will be required over the next decade for asset maintenance, making an additional CA$61 million investment in shore power financially unfeasible.
The port handled 311 ship calls during the most recent cruise season, welcoming nearly one million passengers and generating an estimated $130 million in regional economic activity. Yet, despite the benefits, GVHA acknowledged growing pressure from James Bay residents seeking emission reductions and quieter operations.
About half (52%) of the global cruise fleet is equipped for shore power, while less than 3% of the seaports can supply it.
The GVHA study also noted operational challenges, as nearly 40% of cruise calls in Victoria are shorter than four hours—insufficient time for vessels to connect and disconnect from shore power systems.
Mawhinney suggested that while the plan is shelved, it is not abandoned permanently. The authority will continue exploring scalable, more affordable electrification initiatives as technology advances.
Vancouver remains Canada’s first port to implement shore power, followed by Halifax, Montreal, and Prince Rupert, with Seattle also operating an electrified cruise terminal.