Cruise Ships plug in for power

The port of Los Angeles is the first in the world to serve three different cruise lines with plug-in power systems

The systems are called alternative maritime power. They are quite new, and they enable what harbour operators call "cold ironing" the ships stop burning fuel and creating emissions when they're in port.

Cruise ships demand about as much power as a thousand homes do whilst in port. This month, Disney Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises all plugged in instead of firing up auxiliary generators powered with diesel fuel.

Princess Cruises agreed four years ago to use dockside electric power and has similar agreements in place in Juneau, Alaska and Seattle, Washington.

The Port of L.A.'s World Cruise Centre is the only place in the world where two cruise ships can plug in at the same time.

Not quite the same as plugging in your hair dryer but definitely a huge step forward when it comes to using alternative energy, this could well see more cruise lines opting for this whilst docked in port for the day