In a push to significantly reduce cruise ship emissions in Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell is propelling legislation for a new shore power facility at Pier 66. This move, detailed in a press release from the Mayor's office, follows an agreement between Seattle City Light and the Port of Seattle. The proposed setup would enable docked cruise ships to connect to the city's electrical grid, thus reducing reliance on diesel while at berth.
The measure is set promptly to be reviewed by the Seattle City Council. If the green light is given, ships could potentially cut down on diesel emissions by a staggering 80 percent, and CO2 emissions by 66 percent at dock. The effort is part of a drive to quickly adopt green tourism practices and maritime electrification.
"Through this advancement in shore power, we are supporting cleaner air, maritime electrification, and a greener tourism industry," Mayor Harrell said, as per the official press statement from the City of Seattle. The ambitious project seeks to position Seattle at the forefront of sustainable port operations, with a broader vision of a zero-emissions future.
The collaboration is bolstered by a $44 million port infrastructure investment and an additional $3.5 million from the City's Maritime Transportation Electrification Program (MARTEP). These funds are earmarked for enhancing the distribution system of City Light, helping to not only provision Washington State Ferries, but also the King County Marine Division, Kitsap Transit, and the Port of Seattle. The City Council's approval would further cement a thirty-year Operations Agreement designed to sustain this ambitious undertaking.
Seattle's venture into maritime electrification could set a national precedent, as Pier 66 is set to become one of the first cruise ports in the United States with shore power capabilities at every berth.
