By Riley Kaminer
If you’re reading this, chances are that you know whatever Miami does, we do it bigger and better. That’s why when Royal Caribbean launched their Icon of the Seas – the largest cruise ship in the world – its maiden voyage came out of Miami.
There’s a downside to being bigger and better, though, when it comes to ships: namely pollution, and a lot of it.
That is, until now.
Today, Miami-Dade County announced its partnership with several cruise lines to launch Shore Power at PortMiami.
Shore Power is a technology that allows cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid while docked at port. Each cruise ship that plugs in can reduce diesel emissions by 80% and CO2 emissions by 66% on average.
This eliminates the need for ships to burn fuel to generate their own power, which reduces air and noise pollution – also helping to improve public health in communities near ports by extension.
According to Miami-Dade officials, PortMiami is the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard offering shore power capability at five cruise berths.
“Shore power is a great example of progress in tourism and clean energy converging. Together, we are creating jobs, expanding our economy, and preparing to meet the dynamic needs of tomorrow,” Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement.
Zoom out globally, and this is also a major step forward. The Cruise Lines International Association notes that fewer than 20 ports worldwide currently provide shore power for large cruise ships, despite the fact that 35% of the global capacity of cruise ships is equipped with shore power connections.
Miami-Dade County is also investing in other sustainability programs, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. These initiatives will help to reduce the county’s environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
Another notable initiative is the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA), an independent nonprofit that is focused on driving equitable and sustainable growth through the adoption of innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for Miami-Dade residents.
Earlier this year, the MDIA launched its third Public Innovation Challenge alongside PortMiami and the County to global companies pioneering ‘smart port’ technology. The goal: enhancing cargo visibility at PortMiami, with a focus on public data-based solutions.
As Refresh Miami previously reported, at least 3 startups will receive $100K grants and can pilot test their technology at the port. Innovation here is a big deal, since PortMiami supports more than 334,000 jobs and contributes $43 billion annually to the local economy.
More broadly, tech has played an important role in Miami-Dade’s “Future Ready” plans, aiming to forge a path for sustainable growth in our county. Last year, Levine Cava appointed Francesca de Quesada Covey, a leader in the #MiamiTech ecosystem, to lead economic development and innovation.
Notably, Miami Beach has for the last three years been the home to the Aspen Ideas Festival’s conference focused on climate change.
Government and industry officials “cut the ribbon’ for Shore Power on Monday. Photos are from Miami-Dade County.
READ MORE IN REFRESH MIAMI:
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- At global Aspen Ideas conference, tech touted as solution to our climate woes
- In focus at Smart City Expo Miami’s fourth annual edition: Building sustainable communities
- Miami-Dade mayor appoints Francesca de Quesada Covey to lead economic development and innovation
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