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Port Of LA First In Nation Where Cruise Ships Can Plug In For Greener Power

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The Port of Los Angeles is charging full-speed ahead to become the first port in the country to plug in cruise lines to shore-side electrical power in an effort to reduce pollution in the area.

The "Alternative Maritime Power" system developed for the World Cruise Center can deliver up to 40 megawatts of power. As many as two cruise ships can plug in simultaneously.

Since the system's installation, ships from the Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruises have plugged in.

"The use of AMP at our World Cruise Center reduces emissions not just at the port but improves the quality of air throughout the Los Angeles region," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said.

The port has three AMP Mobiles designed by port engineers and the global engineering firm Cavotec to be used on a variety of cruise ship configurations.

The port has been using AMP technology for container ships since 2004.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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