The Port of Seattle has unveiled its Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy, a pivotal blueprint aimed at enhancing the power infrastructure necessary to electrify buildings, vehicles, vessels, and equipment on Port-owned properties.
As demand for electricity surges, the strategy forecasts a fourfold increase in power requirements to support Port operations by 2050, underscoring the importance of proactive planning and investment to meet sustainability targets.
Developed in collaboration with The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) and Seattle City Light (SCL), the strategy is a result of a comprehensive approach to ensure that the waterfront can adapt to a green energy future.
“Installing shore power at marine terminals so that cruise and cargo ships can turn off their engines while at dock is a key part of the Port of Seattle’s commitment to becoming the greenest Port in North America,” remarked Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman.
He highlighted the necessity of partnerships in securing adequate power supply to meet the escalating demands for electrification of ferries, trucks, cargo handling equipment, and Coast Guard operations.
Dawn Lindell, General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light, emphasized the significance of their partnership with the Port, stating, “By working together, we’re making waterfront and maritime electrification a reality for Seattle’s industrious port.”
The Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy proposes technical, policy, and planning recommendations to facilitate a transition to zero-emission maritime operations by 2050.
The initiative originated from a 10-year partnership established in 2021 between the Port, NWSA, and SCL. This collaboration aims to support joint planning and implementation of clean energy infrastructure.
The analytical framework of the strategy focused on Port-owned maritime properties along Seattle’s Elliott Bay, the Duwamish River, Lake Washington Ship Canal, and Shilshole Bay.
The findings reveal that shore power for oceangoing vessels serves as the primary driver of near-term power demand, detailing future challenges ahead.
Both Seattle City Light and the Port are poised to exceed their electrical capacity planning limits as infrastructure demands grow.
The strategy identifies upgrading existing electrical infrastructure as the most cost-effective means to address identified constraints, while also recognizing the need to monitor emerging energy technologies.
Significant investments are anticipated; a total of $208 to $457 million in Port and utility expenditures have been projected through 2050, encompassing utility distribution system infrastructure costs of $69 to $168 million and on-site Port infrastructure costs ranging from $139 to $288 million.
The recommendations section of the strategy includes eight key focus areas: future capacity, site assessments, critical facilities, master planning, infrastructure management, grant project readiness, clean technology development, and business models to support the necessary capital investments.
The Port plans to engage with the public regarding the overall strategy and the integration of these projects into future capital plans.
For further insights on the research, findings, and recommendations outlined in the Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy, interested parties can visit the dedicated web page of the strategy.
This strategic initiative marks a significant step toward transforming the Port of Seattle into a leader in sustainable maritime operations, setting a national standard for clean energy transitions in port management.
image source from：https://www.portseattle.org/news/port-electrification-strategy-prepares-energy-transition-and-future-power-needs-2050
