Port Metro Vancouver has become the first in Canada, and the third in the world, to allow cruise ships to plug into the city's electricity grid while docked there.

The enormous ships will draw power from BC Hydro when they are docked, which will allow them to turn off their diesel engines. The cost of the electricity will be paid for by the cruise lines.

It's an arrangement that benefits both the cruise ships and Vancouver's air quality, "because there is a very material reduction in running these ships from hydro power from a shore power connection instead of on their marine diesel engines," said Robin Silvester, president of Port Metro Vancouver.

"So I think, both in terms of the community and for our customers, the cruise lines — demonstrating that we are working with them on sustainability – that matters to both of us."

The $9-million shore power installation is the result of a partnership between the federal and provincial governments, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, BC Hydro and Port Metro Vancouver.

The project will mean the reduction of an estimated 39,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

Only two other ports in the world offer shore power — Seattle and Juneau, Alaska.