1.22.2007 - 11:04am ET

(CSRwire) SAN PEDRO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2007--Demonstrating Princess' ongoing dedication to helping clear the air in the port cities from which its ships sail, Princess has signed an agreement committing to turning off the engines of its vessels when they dock at the Port of Los Angeles and "plugging in" to clean electrical power.
The Port of Los Angeles' shore power capability will be available for use in 2008, and the technology is already available on the Princess ships which will call there.

The project is similar to the shore power program Princess debuted in Juneau, Alaska in 2001 and in Seattle, Washington in 2005. Next year, the busiest port in the United States will come online with this program designed to reduce air emissions.

The new shore power agreement is part of the Port of Los Angeles' Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) Program. Princess has been actively engaged in the development of shore power capabilities at the Port, and has provided technical support for the program. Shore power, also known as "cold ironing," enables ships to turn off their diesel engines and connect to electric power that travels to the ship from a specially designed transformer. As a result, shore-based electricity runs all onboard services during the day-long calls.

"We're extremely pleased and proud to be expanding our commitment to using shore power wherever the landside technology is available, which will now include the Port of Los Angeles next year," said Alan Buckelew, President of Princess Cruises. "We're dedicated to making this connection program a success, just as we're dedicated to the local air quality issues that are important to the community."

"The Port of Los Angeles is committed to the concept of using clean shoreside electrical power for ships at berth," said Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. "We're the only port in the world to plug-in containerships, and we are very excited to be working with Princess to use this technology on cruise ships as well."

In November 2006, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach approved an unprecedented joint action to improve air quality in the South Coast Air Basin called the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The sweeping five-year plan is a blueprint for the ports to significantly reduce the health risks posed by air pollution from port-related ships, trains, trucks, terminal equipment and harbor craft. Considered a "living document," the plan allows for updating as new technologies and processes become available. As part of the CAAP, the ports will be utilizing electrical shore power whenever possible, as the latest agreement with Princess demonstrates.

Princess' shore power program made history when it first began operations in Juneau in the summer of 2001. The innovative program expanded to Seattle in summer 2005, and the technology is now featured on 10 ships which are equipped to use local hydroelectric power. All Princess ships currently sailing from the Port of Los Angeles are fully equipped and ready to plug into shore power when it debuts there.

To create this unusual power system, Princess has outfitted its ships with a custom-built state-of-the-art electrical connection cabinet that automatically connects the ship's electrical network to the local electrical network ashore. The electrical power is transmitted from the landside transformer to the vessel via four, 3 1/2-inch diameter, flexible electrical cables. The actual cable connection on the vessel is a traditional, though quite large, male/female plug and socket.

"When we first developed shore power, it was a challenging project because it was the first of its kind and there was no existing blueprint we could use. Now with Juneau and Seattle operating successfully for several years, we can share our expertise with the Port of Los Angeles to help bring this successful environmental initiative to Southern California," added Buckelew.

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 30 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

About the Port of Los Angeles:

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006. The Port of Los Angeles -- A cleaner port. A brighter future.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

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