Providing shore-based electrical power to a ship while in port. The power is used to run the ship’s electrical systems including lights, heating, air conditioning and hot water for the ship’s crew. In practice, a heavy flexible wire encased in rubber or plastic, resembling an extension cord, is extended from the pier, plugged into the ship’s receptacle and power is supplied to the ship. This allows the ship to shut down the diesel engines that normally drive its electrical generators and thereby greatly reduce diesel emissions. The Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach among others have spearheaded the technique. Also called Alternative Marine Power (AMP).