Understanding Shore Power with HOPA Ports

Dayna, North End Resident and Reader

“I look forward to the always-prompt delivery of the next edition to my mailbox, and to receiving the email alerting me to its availability! I so appreciate that there remains a local community paper at a time when so many others have ceased publication. It’s been a great introduction to the North End!”

Kristina Santone

“Being a part of the North End Breezes board for the past two years has been a privilege. The team does amazing work within the community and serves as a resource hub for all. They are committed, and most importantly, passionate about preserving the North End’s legacy, while also continuing to foster its growth. Whether you are new to the area, or a longtime resident, I encourage you to volunteer with the Breezes in some capacity if you’re able. This team is small but mighty and they are always looking for more support. I’m grateful for the relationships and community I’ve been able to build while serving on the board.

I’ll be joining Welcome Inn as the Executive Director and look forward to taking on a new role in the North End Community while staying connected to The Breezes. “

You can feel the energy of the Algoma Sault when you step inside her Engine Control Room. Two large blue panels with gauges and meters fill the room. Operators watch closely as energy levels fluctuate on a screen as a portion of its canola cargo, brought in from western Canada, is discharged at Pier 11. The Algoma Sault was built in 2017. It is a self-unloading, 740-foot bulk carrier. The vessel is one of 11 currently laid-up at the Port of Hamilton for the winter season.

Shore power is vital during the winter months. When a vessel navigates the Seaway, it runs on diesel fuel, but when the Seaway closes for the season and vessels remain at port, they turn to shore power. The main generators and other systems onboard are shutdown and the ship is connected to the local power grid for it’s “hotel load”, meaning only essential utilities. Heat is needed for the remaining crew, power is used in the galley for cooking meals, water and sanitary requirements are met, as well as essential lighting.

Shore power has been available at the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) for decades. It is an effective way for ship operators to reduce air emissions during winter layup. Vessels at berth in Hamilton during the winter 2022 layup season, used more than 1.3 million kwh of energy. The switch to grid electricity is equivalent to removing about 200 cars from the road for one year.