Massport announced plans on Friday to spend $60 million to build an electric power system allowing some specially-equipped cruise ships to plug in and switch off diesel engines while docked.
The quasigovernmental agency says it plans to develop two shore power outlets at its Flynn Cruiseport in Boston to reduce pollution, amidst a growing awareness of how the local shipping industry is affecting public health and the environment.
“We know that our activity impacts the communities that we are around, including South Boston,” Massport Chief Executive Officer Richard Davey said at a press conference at the terminal. “Making this commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in the cruise (terminal) is critical to ensuring that we can continue to develop here and at the same time ensure that the communities that were around continue to thrive and grow as well.”…