Twenty-five years ago, Princess Cruises became the first cruise line to connect one of its ships to the hydroelectric power supply system of the Port of Juneau. Today, that pioneering partnership remains a benchmark for ports worldwide, generating lasting benefits for both the environment and the local community.
Since 2001, Princess Cruises, the City and Municipality of Juneau, and Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) have worked together to connect cruise ships to Juneau's local hydroelectric power grid. This allows ships to shut down their engines while docked, significantly reducing emissions. What began as a groundbreaking initiative has become a global best practice, inspiring the implementation of shore power systems in 41 cruise ports worldwide.
Key figures
- 25 years of operations using grounded electrical connection in Juneau.
- First shipping company to connect to the Juneau electrical system (2001).
- Nearly 60 years sailing through Alaska.
- 1,725 connections made to the port's electrical system.
- 123,668,490 kilowatt hours (kWh) of hydroelectric energy consumed.
- 84,533.60 metric tons of emissions avoided.
- $11,242,400 in Community Partnership Program (COPA) credits, intended to benefit the Juneau community.
Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises, stated, “For 25 years, our partnership with the City and Borough of Juneau and Alaska Electric Light & Power has demonstrated what is possible when industry, government, and local communities work together toward a common goal. Together, we have helped develop technology that has transformed cruise operations worldwide, while also generating significant environmental and community benefits in Alaska. Protecting the destinations our guests enjoy exploring has always been part of our identity, and we are proud to continue building on that legacy. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we remain committed to investing in innovations that support the future of cruising in the Big Earth.”.
Creating the first shore power connection system for cruise ships in Juneau required vision, innovation, and an unprecedented level of collaboration. Connecting large cruise ships to the city's small, isolated hydroelectric grid was a significant technical challenge that continues to be considered a remarkable engineering achievement. Today, 41 ports worldwide are equipped with this type of facility.
During these 25 years, this collaboration has helped to reduce ship emissions while in port, improve air quality and consolidate Juneau as one of the world's leading examples in the successful implementation of shore power supply systems.
Beth Weldon, Mayor of the City and Borough of Juneau, stated, “We remain proud to be the port that pioneered this technology and of the public-private partnership that made this project possible. It is an excellent example of how different stakeholders can come together to develop groundbreaking initiatives, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on new opportunities to expand the electrical shore power infrastructure in Juneau.”.
Princess Cruises has been sailing through Alaska for almost six decades and remains committed to helping preserve the state's extraordinary natural beauty, while supporting the communities that host its passengers.
Currently, Princess Cruises ships continue to connect to Juneau's power grid whenever available, utilizing locally produced hydroelectric power while in port. In addition, the cruise line continues to invest in new technologies and operational practices aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions across its fleet.
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