Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announces commitment with Carnival Cruise Line for shore power pilot at PortMiami

Today, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced that Carnival Cruise Line and Miami-Dade County have agreed to launch a new shore power pilot program at PortMiami.

Shore power allows enabled ships to turn off their engines while docked, resulting in reduced emissions. Pending the completion of the pilot program study and the necessary infrastructure work, Carnival Cruise Line will commit to utilizing shore power for up to four vessels at new Cruise Terminal F, starting in 2023.

Last month, Miami-Dade County signed a joint statement with six leading cruise companies – Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, and Virgin Voyages – and Florida Power and Light to bring shore power to PortMiami. The County formed a task force with representatives from each cruise line to work through the logistical requirements and funding mechanisms.

“Efforts to bring shore power to PortMiami are progressing quickly with Carnival Cruise Line’s new commitment,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Our goal is to make PortMiami the first seaport in Florida and the southeastern United States to provide shore power connection, as we continue our efforts to make the Port a leader in sustainability and shape a more resilient cruise industry. We also submitted a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program to help us fund shore power infrastructure. I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish in a short period, and we look forward to sharing more news in coming months as we move shore power forward with all six cruise line partners committed to this effort."

“In line with our top priorities of compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, employees and the people in the communities we touch and serve, we are thrilled to partner with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Dade County to be the first cruise line to participate in the shore power pilot program at PortMiami,” said Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line. “With PortMiami being our busiest homeport and our longstanding relationship with both Miami-Dade and PortMiami, it’s a natural fit to partner together to bring shore power to the Cruise Capital of the World.”

Miami-Dade County’s mission is to operate one of Florida’s most active seaports in a way that supports economic development and sustainability. Recent infrastructure and capital projects include other PortMiami programs aimed at building resiliency and reducing emissions, including the Port of Miami Tunnel, which eliminates an estimated 22,000 vehicles from downtown Miami streets; the infrastructure to accommodate six electric rubber-tired gantries (eRTGs), each featuring 100 percent electric power system, within the cargo yards; and the electrification of the cargo gantry cranes.