Aug. 23, 2021LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana — A cleaner, greener alternative source of power will soon be available for vessels working City Docks at the Port of Lake Charles.
It’s the latest innovation by the new leadership team at the Port.
It’s shore power — a portside electrical connection that’s run to a vessel at City Docks while its main and auxiliary engines are shut down. The vessels have traditionally used onboard diesel generators at the docks.
The Port has entered into an agreement with Crowley and Entergy Louisiana to provide shore power to Crowley tugboats while they are docked.
“The Port is excited about this new project to better serve our customers and to help reduce local emissions,” said Richert L. Self, Port executive director.
Crowley aims to be the most sustainable and innovative maritime and logistics solutions provider in the Americas by 2025. An important part of this strategy in the tugboat sector has begun to use cleaner fuels and alternative energy technology on vessels as part of the company’s progress toward decarbonization in maritime services.
“Sustainability is crucial to the communities we serve and our industry’s future,” said Greg Pavellas, director of Crowley offshore services. “The reduction in diesel usage and emissions through idling is an important step as we develop new and cleaner energy solutions that maintain our high-performance standards while protecting air quality. We look forward to working with the Port of Lake Charles and Entergy to support the Gulf region and the maritime sector.”
In the coming months, Entergy Louisiana will install the equipment needed to serve the Crowley tugs. Installing this infrastructure will reduce CO2 emissions by the Port by over 500 metric tons per year.
Shore power provides environmental and economic benefits. Environmentally, it reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by ships while berthed at port. Economically, shore power allows customers to access Entergy’s low electricity rates while also increasing operational efficiency, potentially reducing maintenance costs and wear-and-tear of engines.
“Providing our customers with energy solutions that can help reduce costs and meet environmental and sustainability goals is part of what we do at Entergy,” said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. “We’re excited to help bring shore power to the Port of Lake Charles so that companies like Crowley Marine can connect to our electric grid and take advantage of affordable, clean and efficient power.”
“Shore power saves consumption of fuel that would otherwise be used to power vessels while docked — reduces air pollution from the consumption of that fuel,” said Jonathan Ringo, Port counsel.
About the Port of Lake Charles
The Port of Lake Charles — officially, the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District — is a top-11 U.S. deepwater port district in terms of annual cargo tonnage. It will celebrate its 95th anniversary this year. Learn more about the Port at portlc.com.
About Crowley
Crowley, founded in 1892, is a privately held, U.S.-owned logistics, government, marine and energy solutions company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Services are provided worldwide by four primary business units – Crowley Logistics, Crowley (Government) Solutions, Crowley Shipping and Crowley Fuels.
About Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana, LLC, provides electric service to more than 1 million customers and natural gas service to more than 93,000 customers in the greater Baton Rouge area. It has operations in southern, central and northern Louisiana. To learn more about shore power through Entergy, visit entergyshorepower.com/.
