SA major ports given climate cash to flick the electricity switch

A $70m investment into South Australia’s major ports will see a national first project to electrify them, including weaning docked ships off diesel fuel.

South Australia’s major ports are going green in a national first project to electrify them, including weaning docked ships off diesel fuel.

A $70m investment in Flinders Port Holdings through the federal government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation will finance electrification measures at ports such as the Flinders Container Terminal at Outer Harbor.

The move also is expected to boost SA’s attractiveness as a cruise destination for major lines as they look at ways to improve their sustainability credentials, such as potentially switching to grid electricity when docked.

As well as the Outer Harbor operation, the privately owned Flinders Ports operates six regional ports: Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Thevenard, Port Giles, Wallaroo and Klein Point.

The finance will support initiatives including installing solar systems and replacing internal combustion light vehicles with EVs.

It will investigate the use of an all-electric crane at the Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal – an Australian first — and how berthed ships can be connected to the grid rather than relying on expensive diesel bunker fuel.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the first-ever green financing of container stevedoring operations in Australia would help “decarbonise” SA ports.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“Shipping is the backbone of the global economy but a very hard to abate sector,” Mr Bowen said.

“Electrification is a pathway to lower emissions and reduced costs. This is a milestone project as we take early steps towards the electrification of Australian ports, beginning in South Australia.

“This innovative partnership will enhance these ports and help support local jobs and industries.”

RAA Travel general manager Gina Norman welcomed the move noting RAA had been calling for more investment in South Australia’s cruise infrastructure.

“Electrifying our ports means ships can turn their engines off and dock here for longer – potentially making our state a more attractive option for cruise lines, as well as reducing emissions,” Ms Norman said.

“Cruising is the fastest growing category of travel right now – the demand is extraordinary and it’s not slowing down. If we can attract more cruise ships to South Australia it gives holiday makers more options and also brings in more tourists and dollars into our state that support so many jobs.

“Last year, the cruise industry generated $215m for the South Australian economy and supported more than 700 local jobs.

“The economic reach of the cruise industry spreads well into our regions, beyond just the metropolitan area, benefiting so many hospitality businesses and tourism operators.”

Australia has partnered with Singapore on a $20m project to reduce maritime emissions and signed a global pledge in 2022 to clean up the shipping industry.

Originally published as SA major ports given climate cash to flick the electricity switch