Maritime Electrification in Seattle: A Path to a Sustainable Future

Seattle’s waterfront is undergoing a major transformation to become one of the greenest and most energy-efficient ports in North America. At the heart of this endeavor is maritime electrification. Here’s what that means:

• Maritime electrification: This project focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using electricity for marine vessels, which is a big step towards reducing air pollution.
• Technology integration: We are incorporating advanced technology into our marine vessels to upgrade to more efficient systems that are better for the environment.
• Economic growth: This initiative is also about creating jobs and saving money in the long run.

Join us as we take a look at this exciting journey towards a greener port and sustainable future.

The environmental promise of maritime electrification

Electrifying our maritime industry is a key strategy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Puget Sound. Traditional vessels, powered by diesel engines, contribute significantly to air pollution and carbon emissions. By transitioning to electric-powered ships and ferries, we can:

• Decrease emissions
• Improve air quality
• Combat climate change

For example, the Port of Seattle’s shift to shore power allows docked cruise ships to connect to the local electric grid instead of using their diesel engines. This change results in an 80% reduction in diesel emissions and a 66% decrease in greenhouse gases.

Innovative technology for a greener fleet

Maritime electrification goes beyond just replacing diesel engines with electric ones. It’s about using advanced technology to make the maritime industry more efficient and reliable.

• Cost-effective alternatives: Electric ferries and commercial vessels offer a smart choice over traditional fuels because they save money on fuel and maintenance in the long run.
• Washington State Ferries (WSF) lead the way: WSF is setting an example by converting its fleet to electric plug-in hybrids. The new Colman Dock Terminal Building at Pier 52 will be the first electrified ferry terminal in the region, supporting around 37 trips daily with significant power needs.

Economic impact and job creation

The economic benefits of maritime electrification go beyond just saving on fuel. Switching to electric-powered vessels creates jobs across different sectors, like engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance. This move also places Seattle at the cutting edge of maritime innovation, drawing investments, and giving the city a competitive edge globally.

The power of public-private partnerships

Achieving maritime electrification is ambitious, and collaboration is key to our success. As a public utility , our partnerships with private enterprise have been essential in advancing these projects.

• Partnerships in action: City Light, the Port of Seattle, and the Northwest Seaport Alliance are working to transition the local maritime industry from fossil fuels to clean energy, aiming to eliminate seaport-related emissions by 2050.
• Why partnerships matter: These collaborations combine the strengths of public agencies and private companies. This ensures projects are well funded, expertly managed, and meet community needs and environmental standards.

A brief look at Seattle’s maritime electrification projects

Let’s take a closer look at some of the electrification projects spearheaded by Seattle City Light and its partners:

Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion

The newly opened Ocean Pavilion at the Seattle Aquarium is a testament to innovative design and sustainability. This fully electric facility incorporates heat exchange within its water and air circulation systems, reducing energy use by 70% and carbon emissions by 95%.

Shore Power at Pier 66

The Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 now offers shore power, allowing cruise ships to dock and plug into the local electrical grid. This reduces emissions equivalent to an average car driving round trip from Seattle to New York 30 times. Pier 66 is the final cruise terminal in Seattle to offer shore power, making the Port of Seattle the first in the nation to mandate shoreside electricity by 2027. And on September 21, a major milestone was achieved – the first full commissioning shore power connection of a cruise ship at Pier 66!

Electrified Ferries at Colman Dock

Colman Dock Terminal Building at Pier 52 is partnering with Washington State Ferries to establish the region’s first electrified ferry terminal. This initiative will support daily trips, requiring substantial power and innovative energy management solutions. The project includes exploring battery energy storage systems to meet these demands efficiently .

Cargo Shore Power at Terminal 5

Terminal 5 has been modernized to provide shore power to cargo ships and new large ship-to-shore cranes. This upgrade supports the largest container ships in the world, showcasing Seattle’s commitment to cutting-edge maritime infrastructure.

Looking ahead

Seattle’s Maritime Transportation Electrification Program shows how thoughtful investments and partnerships can bring big environmental and economic benefits. To succeed, these projects rely on collaboration, planning, and a commitment to innovation. As we explore new technologies, Seattle’s waterfront is set to become a model of sustainability and efficiency.