No. H 079/09
For release - June 4, 2009

Government of Canada expands program to help ships turn off engines, improve air quality

The program helps improve air quality by enabling ships to turn off their diesel engines while docked and instead connect to electric power that is supplied from specially designed transformers at port facilities.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our government is taking real action and delivering practical solutions to help the environment," said Minister Baird. "This program will reduce air pollution from ships in ports across Canada and help Canadians breathe easier."

The Government of Canada has allocated $6 million over four years to the Marine Shore Power Program to support cost–shared projects. The Government of Canada will provide up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs – up to a maximum contribution of $2.5 million — of a project conducted over two years.

Last year, under Round One of the program, Port Metro Vancouver received federal funding to install shore power for cruise ships. The port expects to supply power to ships in time for the 2009 cruise ship season.

The Marine Shore Power Program falls under Transport Canada's ecoTRANSPORT Strategy, which is part of the Government of Canada's plan to protect the environment and health of Canadians, while furthering Canada's economic prosperity.

Port authorities and terminal operators located in Canada are eligible to apply and are invited to submit applications for funding by October 16, 2009. A guide for applicants is available on Transport Canada's ecoFREIGHT website at www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/ecofreight/menu-eng.htm.

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