Princess Marks 25 Years of Shore Power Leadership in Juneau

Princess Cruises is marking the 25th anniversary of completing the cruise industry’s first hydroelectric shore power connection in Juneau, Alaska, in 2001.

According to the cruise line, its ships have made nearly 1,725 shore power connections over the past 25 years, using more than 123,668,490 kilowatt-hours of hydroelectricity and preventing 84,533.60 metric tons of emissions.

Since that pioneering installation, shore power has expanded to 41 cruise ports worldwide.

Princess Cruises has continued to work closely with the City and Borough of Juneau and Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P), enabling its ships to connect to Juneau’s hydroelectric grid and switch off their engines while alongside.

For 25 years, our partnership with the City and Borough of Juneau and Alaska Electric Light & Power has demonstrated what’s possible when industry, government and local communities work together toward a common goal,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises.

“Together, we’ve helped pioneer a technology that has transformed cruise operations around the world while delivering meaningful environmental and community benefits in Alaska. Protecting the destinations our guests love to explore has always been part of who we are, and we’re proud to continue building on that legacy. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to investing in innovations that support the future of cruising in the Great Land.”

Today, Princess vessels continue to plug into shore power in Juneau whenever it is available, drawing locally generated hydroelectric electricity instead of running their engines while in port.

The company added that it remains focused on investing in new technologies and operational improvements designed to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions across its fleet.

For 25 years, Princess Cruises has been an exceptional partner in making shore power a reality in Juneau,” said Alec Mesdag, president and chief executive officer of Alaska Electric Light & Power.

“Connecting cruise ships to our small, isolated electric grid requires innovation, trust and close collaboration, and Princess has embraced that challenge from the very beginning. Together, we’ve reduced emissions, improved air quality, benefited our community and helped establish Juneau as a global leader in shore power.”